Ecological assessment of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in medicinal plants across different seasons and locations in Kashmir Valley, India

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi establish vital symbioses with plants that impact development, being a possible strategy in the development of sustainable agriculture. Although there are many different types of medicinal plants in Kashmir Valley, little is known about the native mycoflora's roles, their seasonal and geographical variability in rhizosphere of plants. To understand the mechanism of, which is crucial in regulating the microbial host relationship, a study was carried out across the Kashmir valley to analyze the association of arbuscular mycorhizal fungi with medicinally important plants Valeriana jatamonsi Jones, Lavatera cashmeriana L., and Artemisia absinthium L. During this study plant roots were collected from different areas such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Daksum and Kashmir University Botanical Garden (KUBG). The results revealed that the presence of AMF in association with these medicinal plants significantly varied in different areas as well as during different seasons. The maximum root colonization was found during (humidity/wet) summer, and the least root colonization was found during (wet) autumn. A total of thirty-two isolated species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi belonging to four genera such as Glomus (n = 15), Acaulospora (n = 10), Scutellospora (n = 5) and Gigaspora (n = 2). The soil samples collected from the rhizosphere also showed considerable variation in chemical parameters, such as soil pH, organic carbon, phosphorous, potassium, and nitrogen levels, which directly affected the associated fungal diversity, spore density, and distribution associated with the plants. The outcome of this study provide valuable insights that can inform future research in microbial ecology, agro ecology, sustainable agriculture, and the development of mycorrhiza-based biofertilizer strategies aimed at enhancing the growth and medicinal value of important plant species.