Distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma spp. in the rhizosphere and roots of garlic (Allium sativum L.) cultivated in Adıyaman province, Türkiye

Limited knowledge of root diseases and microbial interactions in commonly grown crops such as garlic in intensive production systems when coupled with losses caused by the Fusarium species complex (FSC) and the low use of chemical control in traditional production areas makes it strategic to develop protection techniques and investigate local microbial diversity for sustainable plant protection strategies (SPPS). This study aims to microscopically examine Trichoderma spp. in rhizosphere soil and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in both rhizosphere and root tissues of garlic cultivated in Adıyaman province, Türkiye, while assessing their potential role in biological control. Root and soil samples were collected from five garlic fields in Kaşlıca village, Tut district, Adıyaman province in 2024. After detecting the presence of pathogens, microscopic examinations were conducted to determine the AMF and Trichoderma spp. spore density in soil and AMF root colonization rate, and the obtained data were statistically analyzed. Analyses of soil and plant tissue samples collected from different sites revealed significant variation in microbiological and chemical parameters. The higher abundance of Trichoderma spp. in certain locations highlights their importance as biocontrol agents in garlic cultivation. These results suggest that soil health and plant-microbial interactions can vary depending on field conditions, and indicate that microbial composition and soil chemistry jointly influence garlic health and pathogen suppression. The findings provide information for the development of biological control strategies specific to agricultural products and the evaluation of regional microbial diversity in terms of agricultural sustainability.