Diversity and Distribution of Glomoid and Non-Glomoid Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Associated With Solanaceae

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widespread root-associated fungi that contribute to plant nutrient acquisition and soil ecosystem processes. However, information on the distribution of Glomoid and non-Glomoid AMF associated with Solanaceae hosts in the northwestern Himalaya remains limited. The present study evaluated the diversity, distribution, and observed host occurrence patterns of AMF associated with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), capsicum (Capsicum annuum), eggplant (Solanum melongena), and black nightshade (Solanum nigrum). A total of 72 AMF morphotaxa representing 13 genera were recovered from the rhizosphere soils, of which 39 taxa (54.2%) belonged to the Glomoid taxonomic group and 33 taxa (45.8%) to the non-Glomoid taxonomic group. Glomoid taxa showed higher occurrence frequency and broader observed host distribution, with Glomus constrictum and Septoglomus deserticola recorded in all four hosts. Non-Glomoid AMF contributed 45.8% of total richness and included a higher proportion of taxa observed in a single host. AMF richness varied among host species, with capsicum and eggplant supporting greater observed richness than tomato and black nightshade. Diversity indices were generally higher for Glomoid taxa, whereas evenness did not differ significantly between the two taxonomic groups. Overall, the study provides baseline information on AMF richness and distribution associated with cultivated and wild Solanaceae in the northwestern Himalaya. The observed occurrence patterns represent associations within the sampled hosts and should not be interpreted as evidence of confirmed host specialization or functional differentiation. Molecular identification, quantitative community data, environmental variables, and multivariate analyses will be required to investigate the ecological factors underlying these distribution patterns.