Leveraging the complex interplay between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, seasonal dynamics, and genotypic diversity to optimize maize productivity in semi-arid agroecosystems.

ABSTRACT: Maize production under low-input agricultural systems in semi-arid areas of Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges, primarily stemming from the synergistic impacts of climate variability and suboptimal agronomic practices. Harnessing soil microbiota, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), represents a pivotal strategy for bolstering low-input systems. However, their functional utility is contingent upon their compatibility with the prevailing environmental conditions and biotic interactions. This study examines the influence of two distinct AMF inoculants on the growth and yield attributes of diverse maize genotypes across varying seasons within semi-arid regions of Kenya. We hypothesized that AMF inoculants exhibit differential adaptability to varying environmental site

SUBMITTER: Koech K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11416500 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature