Differential AMF diversity in the rhizosphere and endosphere of two Camellia oleifera cultivars

While ecological intensification through arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiosis offers a sustainable pathway for phosphorus (P) acquisition in crops, the role of host genotype in shaping AMF communities under intensive management remains unclear. This study investigated the root endosphere (ES) and rhizosphere soil (RS) AMF communities of two Camellia oleifera cultivars with contrasting phosphorus-use efficiencies (CL3: low-P-sensitive; CL40: low-P-tolerant) in a field experiment. The result revealed that CL3 exhibited significantly higher AMF colonization rates and α-diversity, with ES communities dominated by Glomeraceae. Rhizosphere soil of CL40 showed lower pH, higher available phosphorus (Avail-P), organic acids (e.g., citric and oxalic acids), and extracellular enzyme activities, suggesting a “higher enzyme activity and organic acid” strategy for P mobilization. In contrast, CL3 relied on AMF-mediated P uptake, supported by elevated shikimic acid content and Glomeraceae recruitment. pH, Avail-P, and organic acids as key drivers of AMF community divergence in rhizosphere. These findings demonstrate that host genotypes regulate AMF symbiosis through distinct P-acquisition strategies, emphasizing the importance of cultivar-specific root-microbe interactions in sustainable agriculture. • The low-P-sensitive cultivar exhibits higher AMF colonization rates and α-diversity. • The low-P-tolerant cultivar shows suppressed AMF colonization but enhanced organic acid secretion. • AMF communities differed between endosphere and rhizosphere soil in both cultivars. • pH, Avail-P, and organic acids as key drivers of AMF community divergence in rhizosphere