Document Type : Research paper

Authors

• Jacinta Muiruri ¹
• Agnes Kavoo ¹
• Mwashasha Rashid Mwajita ¹
• Fredah K. Rimberia ¹
• Tofick B Wekesa ²

¹ Department of Horticulture and Food Security, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya

² Institute of Biotechnology Research, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

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. 

Keywords

• Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
• Fungal isolates
• Morphological properties
• Morpho-physiochemical properties
• Rhizosphere