International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology

International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology is a peer-reviewed open access multidisciplinary journal. The Journal accepts and publishes research works/articles in English that meet the general criteria of significance and scientific excellence in all areas related to horticultural science with the ultimate goal of expanding knowledge of the subject and contributing to the existing science and literature. The Journal has planned to: (i) stimulate scientific research among horticulture scholars and scientists all around the world and (ii) provide a forum for the exchange of information and dissemination of knowledge in the horticultural science 

ISO Abbreviation: Int. J. Hortic. Sci. Technol.

Frequency: Quarterly

Peer Review Policy: Double Blind Peer Review

Language: English

       Open Access Journal Support 

Our publication ethics statement is mainly based on the Code of Conduct and Best-Practice Guidelines for Journal Editors (Committee on Publication Ethics, 2011, COPE). To see our policy in this matter please click here.  

Characterization of Fungal Isolates Associated with Rhizospheric Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) from Different Plant Species in Mwea, Mitunguu, and Juja in Central Kenya (Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2025, Pages 1-16)

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are associated with plant roots and exhibit beneficial impacts such as stress tolerance, better nutrient uptake, and water absorption. These functions have opened the door to research opportunities for considering other fungi associated with AMF on the root rhizosphere. This study aimed to characterize fungal isolates associated with rhizospheric indigenous AMF from different plant species, i.e., banana, grass, and papaya, in three agroecologies, i.e., Mwea, Mitunguu, and Juja in Central Kenya. A total of 30 fungal isolates were isolated from soil samples through the pour plate technique. The isolates had diverse microscopic morphological characteristics, describable in form, margin, color, size, and surface. Physiochemical parameters showed varied growth at different pH values, temperatures, and salinity levels. Optimal growth appeared at pH 7.0, 30-35 °C, and 0-0.5 M NaCl salinity. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and AMF subunit sequences showed a level of diversity similar to Aspergillus spp. Ajellomyces spp., Fusarium spp., Trichoderma spp., Penicillium spp., Glomus spp., and Diversispora spp. In conclusion, there was a symbiotic relationship between AMF and other fungal isolates.

Fig. Phylogenetic tree of fungal isolates from the Mwea, Mitunguu, and Juja areas, Central Kenya. Rhizospheric soils were based on ITS, AML1, and AML2 sequences.