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Morphological and Molecular Identification of Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Rhizosphere of Chickpea and Their Role in Nutrient Uptake

Kamran Akbar, Tabassum Yaseen, Banzeer Ahsan Abbasi, Javed Iqbal, Badr Alharthi, Sajid Fiaz , Salma Noreen, Shumaila Ijaz, Ejaz Aziz, Rashid Iqbal

Abstract

The symbiotic relationship between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) serves as a model of mutualistic association that can influence plant growth. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of AMF on the growth, nutrient uptake, and productivity of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). A comprehensive study was conducted to investigate the diversity of indigenous AMF in their natural habitat and their effect on the proximate and elemental concentrations in chickpea. We analyzed soil physicochemical properties, root colonization, AMF spore diversity, and elemental composition of chickpea rhizosphere in two locations (Bhakkar and Khushab, Pakistan), and indigenous AMF were identified using morphological and molecular methods. Nitrogen levels of 5.47 g/kg and 4.51 g/kg were observed in the rhizosphere soils of Bhakkar and Khushab, respectively. Root colonization was higher in Khushab (48.5% compared to Bhakkar (35.5%, influencing phosphorus absorption in both regions. Molecular analysis identified 21 AMF taxa, with Glomus and Acaulospora being the most dominant genera. Variations in spore sizes among AMF were found, with Glomus measuring 10-191 µm, Acaulospora 125-152 µm, Sclerocystis 110-174 µm, and Gigaspora 65-184 µm. Proximate analysis revealed that plant materials from Bhakkar had 1.72% ash, 1.16% fat, 3.78% fiber, and 13.05% protein, while samples from Khushab had 1.90% ash, 1.25% fat, 3.24% fiber, and 11.5% protein. Elemental concentrations of chickpea plants from Bhakkar were N = 2.68%, P = 32.98 mg/kg, and K = 33.32 mg/kg, whereas those from Khushab were N = 1.94%, P = 1.17 mg/kg, and K = 43.06 mg/kg. Molecular analysis revealed AMF species with a range of 250-1100 bp. AMF root colonization was inversely related to soil phosphorus levels but had a positive effect on plant moisture, fats, and carbohydrates. Morphological and molecular identification revealed a relatively high AMF taxa in the rhizosphere of chickpea in the two regions. Despite their recognized benefits, the potential of AMF as biofertilizers has not been fully utilized due to prevailing agronomic practices.

FP24326  Accepted 30 June 2025

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