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Characterizing arbuscular mycorrhizas in Saffron: implicationsfor bridging the yield gaps

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Abstract

Since the importance of spices in the global nutritional challenges has been understudied, our aim was to assess the arbuscular mycorrhizal diversity associated with one of the most expensive spices - Saffron (Crocus sativus) in the Kashmir Himalaya.

We used both morphological and molecular approaches to characterize the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) diversity associated with saffron targeting nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences. In order to capture the entire AMF diversity associated with saffron, we assessed the spore density and diversity in rhizospheric soils, and sampled roots from sampling sites spread across major saffron growing area of Kashmir overlying a grid map on the target fields. Genomic DNA was extracted from roots, amplified using nested PCR with two set of primers, sequenced and phylogenetically analysed.

Based on morphological and molecular characterization, 15 different AMF species were found associated with saffron in Kashmir Himalaya, India. The most dominant species was Rhizophagus intraradices followed by Funneliformis mosseae, while the least dominant one was Acaulospora trappei.

In view of the deteriorating quality and yield of saffron over the years in this Himalayan valley, tapping the beneficial soil microorganisms, such as AMF promises to be of help. The implications of these results for formulation of effective biofertilizers for improving yield and quality of saffron vis-à-vis regional nutritional security are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India for financial support under grant number (BT/PR5534/PBD/16/1006/2012). Special thanks are due to Sheetal Ambardar (School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu) for her help in data analysis.

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  1. Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar-190 006, Jammu, Kashmir, India

    Zahoor A Itoo, Zafar A. Reshi & Manzoor A. Shah

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  1. Zahoor A Itoo
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Itoo, Z.A., Reshi, Z.A. & Shah, M.A. Characterizing arbuscular mycorrhizas in Saffron: implicationsfor bridging the yield gaps. Biologia 78, 91–100 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11756-022-01182-9

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