Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve morphological and yield performance of Eragrostis tef genotypes in Tigray, Ethiopia

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form beneficial partnerships with most plant species, helping to improve crop resilience in tough environmental conditions. This paper analyzed how different genotypes responded to AMF inoculation, focusing on root colonization percentage (RCP) and the impact of AMF on above-ground agronomic traits. However, RCP alone may not fully explain genotype variation, and AMF effects cannot be judged solely on above-ground traits. This research aims to explore the variation in ninety tef genotypes under AMF conditions and assess how AMF and genotypes affect root and shoot morphology traits. Genotypes were sorted into six cluster groups, showing varied responsiveness to AMF, with RCP ranging from 25.03 to 72.29%. Despite similar RCP, variations in morphological traits were observed, and groups with lower RCP exhibited important traits not found in those with higher RCP, indicating RCP alone cannot indicate genotype variability. Wider Mahalanobis distance (D2) between clusters IV and VI, I and VI, and V and VI were crucial for developing different varieties and advancing root traits through hybridization. Among the tested genotypes, Wehni and Tsaeda zezew, followed by Gureaza, exhibited higher scores for plant height (PH), panicle length (PL), shoot biomass yield (SBY), root length (RL), and specific root length (SRL) compared to Simada. However, Wehni, Tsaeda zezew, and Gureaza showed similar results for days to maturity (DM), grain yield (GY), harvest index (HI), root dry weight (RDW), and root depth distribution (RDD) but differed from Simada genotype. Moreover, the inoculated Wehni genotype increased in days to panicle emergence (DPE) by 72%, DM by 84.11%, PH by 73.93%, PL by 73.68%, SBY by 144.17%, GY by 254.58%, HI by 133.33%, RL by 74.16%, RDW by 216.92%, SRL by 220%, and RDD by 93.28% as compared to the non-inoculated Simada. Improved performance of inoculated genotypes despite genotype variability could be because AMF enhances nutrient and water uptake by increasing root and shoot growth and the inherent growth strategy of the genotypes. Small-seeded crops planted shallowly benefit from AMF, which promotes deeper root growth for better nutrient and water uptake.