Single spore propagation of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with Khasi mandarin and their symbiotic efficacy in maize.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) are important members of the soil microbiome that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, improving nutrient uptake and stress resilience. In the present study, native AMF associated with the rhizosphere of Khasi Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) were isolated using the wet sieving and decanting method. Trap culture was used to increase the number of native AMF spores. Healthy spores were identified and used for single-spore inoculation to establish single-spore-derived cultures. Molecular identification of the AMF isolates was performed by amplification of the 18 S rDNA region. A controlled pot experiment was conducted to assess the effects of the obtained pure cultures on plant growth. Inoculated maize plants showed significant improvement in root and shoot biomass. This study focuses on evaluating the potential of native AMF isolates associated with Khasi mandarin and their use as cross-inoculants to develop biofertilizer that promote the growth of non-host plants.