Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on root Colonization and genetic variations of teff genotypes in Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background Teff is a prominent cereal crop grown in various parts of Ethiopia, exhibiting considerable genetic diversity for the most essential above-ground morphological traits. It forms a symbiotic relationship with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to adapt to resource-limited conditions in dryland areas. Currently, AMF is becoming an essential bio-inoculant in agronomic and plant breeding programs. In a greenhouse experiment using a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with ninety selected teff genotypes, we assessed the genetic variability and level of dependency of teff on AMF based on twelve morphological traits. Results All traits were significantly (P < 0.05) different among the genotypes. The genotypes were divided into six distinct clusters. The maximum and minimum inter-cluster distances were observed between Clusters IV and VI (327.85) and Clusters I and IV (71.76), respectively. High genetic divergence was observed among the tested teff genotypes evaluated between AMF inoculated genotypes. Wider genetic distance (inter-cluster) between the genotypes of clusters IV and VI, III and VI, and I and VI were important to do crossing between genotypes of these three clusters. Clusters III, VI, and I were superior for multiple crossings. Teff genotypes with higher root colonization percentage (RCP) of 54.42 to 72.29% were significantly correlated with root dry matter, root length, shoot biomass yield, and grain yield compared to low RCP (25.03 to 34.32%). Conclusion Group genotypes having higher genetic variability when colonized with AMF showed wider dependency of teff genotypes on AMF with implications for plant breeding.