Year: 2026 | Month: October | Volume: 13 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 203-211
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20261018
Efficiency of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.): An Integrated Field and Controlled-Stress Research Framework
Megha M. Rayate1, Sanjay K. Shinde2
1Research Centre, Department of Botany, K.T.H.M. College, Nashik, Maharashtra, India.
2Department of Botany, Lasalgaon College, Lasalgaon, Nashik, Maharashtra, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Sanjay K. Shinde
ABSTRACT
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form a mutualistic association with plant roots and can improve nutrient acquisition, root exploration, water relations and resilience to abiotic stress. Soybean is a major oilseed legume whose productivity is frequently constrained by phosphorus limitation, episodic drought and salinity. This research framework evaluates native AMF associated with soybean across five sites in Niphad Tehsil, Nashik District, Maharashtra: Vinchur, Takli, Khadakmalegaon,
Sarolekhurd and Ranwad. Rhizosphere soil and fine roots are sampled at 30-day intervals. AMF propagules are recovered by wet sieving and decanting with sucrose centrifugation as required, root colonisation is assessed after clearing and staining, and morphotypes are identified using accepted taxonomic keys. Selected isolates are multiplied in trap cultures using suitable host plants and screened in soybean under non-stressed, water-deficit and salinity treatments. Water stress is evaluated using 8-, 16- and 24day stress intervals, while chloride and sulphate salinity are imposed using graded NaCl and Na2SO4 treatments. The response matrix includes plant height, root growth, biomass, nodulation, chlorophyll, relative water status, stress metabolites, mineral nutrition, seed yield, oil content, root colonisation and mycorrhizal dependency. Factorial analysis of variance, post-hoc comparisons, correlation and multivariate analysis are used to identify AMF isolates that combine effective colonisation with improved soybean performance. The framework is intended to support selection and mass multiplication of locally adapted AMF bioinoculants for sustainable soybean production under variable soil and moisture conditions.
Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; soybean; Glycine max; rhizosphere; drought stress; salinity; mycorrhizal dependency; bioinoculant
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