Determination of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Association with Some Selected Medicinal Plants

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are a group of fungi in the order Glomales that form symbiotic associations with plant roots to improve nutrient uptake and plant growth and yield. The purpose of this study was to look into the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizospheres of some commonly grown medicinal plants in Maiduguri, specifically Aloe vera, Mentha, Cymbopogon citrates, and Ocimum gratissimum. According to the findings, all of the plants have mycorrhizal symbiosis. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores from five genera (Glomus, Acaulospora, Dentiscutata, Scutellispora and Gigaspora were isolated and identified. Cymbopogon citrates significantly recorded the highest total of AMF spore counts (90±4.17) while Aloe vera recorded the least (54±2.28). Glomus species was dominant amongst the five mycorrhiza genera under all plant species, while, Dentiscutata and Gigaspora had the least occurrence. Highest percent root colonization (72±4.23%) was recorded under Cymbopogon citrates and Aloe vera recorded the least (55.5 ±2.41%). Although the study confirmed mycorrhizal association with all plants, AMF richness varies by plant species. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi could be inoculated into soils with insufficient or ineffective spores to improve plant nutrition and medicinal plant growth.