Characterization of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community associated with rosewood in threatened Miombo forests

Abstract

Understanding the dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) in response to land use change is crucial for the restoration of degraded forests. Here, we describe the diversity and structure of AMF communities in roots of Pterocarpus tinctorius sampled from aluminium-and ironrich agricultural and forest fallow soils. AMF in root samples were identi ed by sequencing the large subunit region of the rRNA gene. A total of 30 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were recovered, most of which were new to science. These OTUs belonged to ve genera namely Rhizophagus, Dominikia, Glomus, Sclerocystis and Scutellospora. AMF species richness was signi cantly in uenced by soil properties and tree density, with a low mean value (3.2) observed in acidic soils with high Al and Fe. Indicator species analyses revealed nine AMF OTUs as indicators of base saturation (4 OTUs), high aluminium (3 OTUs) and iron (2 OTUs). OTUs positively correlated with acidity (1 OTU), iron and available phosphorus (2 OTUs) were assigned to the genus Rhizophagus, and indicated Al and Fe tolerance. The results show that leguminous trees in tropical dry forests are a potential reservoir of unknown AM fungal species. The baseline data obtained in this study opens new avenues for future studies, including the use of indigenous AMF-based biostimulants to implement ecological revegetation programs and improve land use.

Uncovering the complex relationship between plant diversity, soil properties, and mycorrhizal inoculum potential in threatened Miombo woodlands

“…Miombo forests are also an important source of timber, fuelwood and non‐timber forest products for local communities. They support the livelihoods of approximately 100 million people, mainly through agriculture and energy production (Kaumbu et al, 2021, 2023; Kiruki et al, 2017; Syampungani et al, 2016). However, these forests are under increasing threat and pressure from deforestation and related land management issues such as erosion.…”

“…The Miombo woodlands are a vital band of tropical seasonal forest stretching from Angola, southern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, parts of Zambia and Zimbabwe, to Mozambique and Tanzania (Kaumbu et al, 2021(Kaumbu et al, , 2023Timberlake et al, 2010). They are important habitats for a wide range of wildlife, including iconic animals such as elephants, antelopes and primates.…”