Purpose: Understanding the dynamics of mycorrhizal fungi in the Cerrado is fundamental for the adoption of conservation practices and for understanding the resilience of this biome in relation to long periods of drought. Thus, this work aimed to verify the dynamics of the mycorrhizal population in five phytophysiognomies of the Cerrado biome. Methods: The samples were taken from the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, a permanent preservation with native Cerrado vegetation without any anthropic influence. The five main phytophysiognomies of the Cerrado biome were chosen: the Campo Limpo, Campo Sujo, Cerrado Strictu Sensu, Cerradão, and Veredas. Rhizospherical soil samples were collected in both the wet and dry seasons. Spore density, mycorrhizal colonization rate, easily extractable glomalin, and associated mycorrhizal fungi genera were identified. Results: The values of spore density, mycorrhizal colonization rate, and glomalin were higher in the samples performed during the dry season compared to the samples performed in the rainy season. The same behavior was observed when comparing the different phytophysionomies. Conclusion: Mycorrhizal activity is higher in dry periods when compared to rainy periods. There is no specificity of genera of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi within the Cerrado phytophysiognomies.

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Synthetic fertilization can increase maize yields, but also cause environmental impacts, as well as increasing production costs and food security risks. Sun mushroom (Agaricus subrufescens) is an important Brazilian fungus used to generate large amounts of spent mushroom substrate. This residue can be used for maize fertilization, but little is known about its ideal application rates to reduce maize dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of a maize crop under different combinations of synthetic fertilizers and two different spent mushroom substrate doses. The experiment was carried out in pots and evaluated maize germinate and biometric parameters, as well as soil and leaf chemical characteristics. The results showed that residue application increased maize germination and Emergence Speed Index. Regarding the maize biometric parameters, height, stem diameter, shoot fresh and dry masses, and leaf area were superior for residue with synthetic fertilization at sowing only at higher doses. Moreover, residue with synthetic fertilization at sowing proved to be more relevant for maize growth according to canonical discriminant analysis. In terms of nutrients, the use of spent mushroom substrate increased significantly leaf P, K, and S levels and mainly K content in the soil, justifying non-application at maize topdressing.

Most studies on bamboo have evaluated their commercial use but few have investigated their associated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These symbiont fungi are fundamental on plant growth, nutrient cycling, biodiversity maintenance, etc., particularly on acidic/dystrophic soils as those of the Brazilian Cerrado. This study aimed to characterize the community composition and ecological interactions of AMF associated with the bamboo species Actinocladum verticillatum and Bambusa vulgaris vittata, under Cerrado vegetation in central Brazil. Roots and rhizospheric soil samples of A. verticillatum and B. vulgaris vittata were collected on 12 plots in the Gurupi (Tocantis state) and Porangatu (Goiás state) microregions. The roots' mycorrhizal colonization rate, rhizospheric soil' spore density, and the associated AMF genera were evaluated. There were no differences in the radical mycorrhizal colonization rates among the two bamboo species, although B. vulgaris vittata showed higher spore density than A. verticillatum. The genera Acaulospora, Claroideglomus, Diversispora, Scutellospora, Glomus, and Gigaspora were identified in both bamboo species, while Sclerocystis was present only on A. verticillatum. The genera Acaulospora, Diversispora, and Glomus were frequently found together. This study may be a first step to future AMF-based bamboo micropropagation efforts in the Cerrado Brazilian vegetation.