Unveiling hidden fungal allies: diversity and distribution of AMF in Nigerian vegetable farms
image: A total of 15 AMF species, representing 12 genera, were identified from the soil samples collected across the experimental plots. The genera included Gigaspora, Septoglomus, Rhizophagus, Dentiscutata, Acaulospora, Racocetra, Archaeospora, Entrophospora, Diversispora, Claroideoglomus, Sclerocystis, and Glomus.
Credit: Umma Abdurrahman Yakasai, and Safianu Rabiu
Date: May 19, 2026
Kano, Nigeria: A groundbreaking research published in Biological Diversity explores the diversity, spatial distribution, and ecological roles of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associated with onion, tomato, and cucumber plants in Nigeria’s Kura agroecological zone, Kano State. Conducted by Umma Abdurrahman Yakasai and Safianu Rabiu from Bayero University, this work represents the first comprehensive investigation of AMF communities in the region’s intensive vegetable farming systems, addressing critical gaps in understanding soil microbial resources amid high chemical fertilizer reliance.
Fieldwork was carried out across nine sampling plots (three for each vegetable crop: onion, tomato, cucumber) in three key sites—Katsinawa, Daneji, and Fegin Zabi. Soil and root samples were collected in February 2022, followed by laboratory analyses including soil physicochemical characterization, AMF spore isolation via wet sieving and sucrose centrifugation, morphological identification, and root colonization assessment. Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener, Simpson’s), were applied to evaluate AMF community variations and relationships with soil properties.
The study identified 15 AMF species spanning 12 genera, with three species (Septoglomus constrictum, Acaulospora trappei, Glomus botryoides) exhibiting 100% occurrence across all sites. Onion plots harbored the highest AMF species richness (9 species per plot) and Shannon diversity index, while cucumber plots showed the lowest diversity but higher dominance of a few species. Soil pH correlated negatively with nitrogen content, while AMF richness, spore abundance, and root colonization correlated positively with organic matter. Notably, several AMF species displayed host-specific distribution—e.g., Glomus sp. 1 exclusive to onions, Entrophospora infrequens restricted to tomatoes.
These findings underscore the untapped potential of native AMF as biofertilizers to reduce synthetic fertilizer dependency and enhance vegetable productivity. The authors advocate integrating trap culture and molecular identification in future studies to deepen AMF functional insights, supporting sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria and beyond.
Original Source
Yakasai, Umma A., and Safianu Rabiu. 2025. “Diversity and Spatial Distribution of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Species Associated With Vegetable Plants of Kano State, Nigeria.” Biological Diversity 2(2-3): 59–72.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bod2.70004
Keywords
colonization, diversity, isolation, mycorrhiza, root, spores
About the Author
Umma Abdurrahman Yakasai (First author and corresponding author), Lecturer, Department of Environmental Health Science, Bayero University, Nigeria. His research focuses primarily on agricultural microbiology and soil science, with a particular emphasis on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in northern Nigeria, as well as toxicology and environmental health.
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Umma-Abdurrahman-Yakasai
About the Journal
Biological Diversity (ISSN: 2994-4139) is a new open-access, high-impact, English-language journal, devoted to advancing biodiversity conservation, enhancing ecosystem services, and promoting the sustainable use of resources under global change. It features innovative research addressing the global biodiversity crisis.