Leveraging the Complex Interplay between Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Seasonal Dynamics, and Genotypic Diversity to Optimize Maize Productivity in Semi-Arid Agroecosystems
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Date
2024-09
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Heliyon
Abstract
Maize production under low-input agricultural systems in semi-arid areas of Sub-Saharan Africa
faces significant challenges, primarily stemming from the synergistic impacts of climate vari ability and suboptimal agronomic practices. Harnessing soil microbiota, particularly arbuscular
mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), represents a pivotal strategy for bolstering low-input systems. However,
their functional utility is contingent upon their compatibility with the prevailing environmental
conditions and biotic interactions. This study examines the influence of two distinct AMF in oculants on the growth and yield attributes of diverse maize genotypes across varying seasons
within semi-arid regions of Kenya. We hypothesized that AMF inoculants exhibit differential
adaptability to varying environmental sites and seasons, and their interaction will enhance the
provision of key ecosystem services important for maize production. Field experiments were
conducted in three semi-arid Counties (Tharaka-Nithi, Embu, and Kitui) during the 2019/2020
cropping seasons. A randomized complete block design with three replications and three treat ments was adopted. Treatments consisted of Rhizatech (a commercial AMF inoculant), a con sortium of AMF isolates (Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis mosseae), and a non-inoculated
control. In season one, notable interaction effects were observed for both site × maize genotype
(p = 0.0007) and site × AMF inoculation (p < 0.0001), whereby Duma 43 genotype had the
highest yield in Embu (11.93 t ha− 1
) and Kitui (11.76 t ha− 1
) counties, and Rhizatech and con sortium inoculation consistently led to elevated grain yields across all three genotypes in Kitui,
surpassing non-inoculated controls. AMF inoculation notably augmented phosphorus (P) uptake,
with Rhizatech demonstrating a 79.7 % increase and consortium showing a 38.7 % increase in
shoot P content compared to control plants in season 1. These findings highlight the complex
interplay between AMF effectiveness, seasonal variations, and maize diversity. Further research is
needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving these seasonal shifts, allowing for opti mized AMF inoculation strategies for improved maize performance under diverse conditions.
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Citation
Koech, K., Koskey, G., Njeru, E. M., & Maingi, J. (2024). Leveraging the complex interplay between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, seasonal dynamics, and genotypic diversity to optimize maize productivity in semi-arid agroecosystems. Heliyon, 10(18).