# Propagule-Type Specificity in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities in Early Growth of Allium tuberosum

## TL;DR

This study explores how different fungal propagule types in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi affect their community structure during the early growth of Allium tuberosum.

## Contribution

The study reveals propagule-type specialization as a key ecological trait in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

## Key findings

- Root fractions contained significantly more OTUs than hyphal fractions, indicating specialization for intraradical colonization.
- Only a small subset of taxa occurred across all propagule types, suggesting distinct ecological roles.
- Propagule type had a stronger influence on community structure than soil type.

## Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) exhibit diverse strategies for colonization and survival, yet the extent to which different propagule types—roots, extraradical hyphae, and spores—contribute to these processes remains unclear. In a pot experiment using Allium tuberosum and soils from three field sites, we characterized AMF communities in root, hyphal, and spore fractions through 18S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 427 OTUs were identified, with Glomus and Paraglomus dominating. Root fractions contained significantly more OTUs than hyphal fractions, suggesting strong specialization for intraradical colonization. Only a small subset of taxa occurred across all propagule types. Indicator species analysis revealed 21 OTUs with significant associations, mainly in root and hyphal fractions, while spore-specific taxa were rare. PERMANOVA revealed that both propagule type and soil type shaped the community structure, with propagule identity being the stronger factor. These results highlight propagule-type specialization as a key ecological trait in AMF and underscore the importance of examining multiple fungal compartments to fully capture AMF diversity and function.