# Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Soybean Growth and Yield: A Metabarcoding Approach

## TL;DR

This study shows that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve soybean growth, yield, and quality while reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and harmful fungi.

## Contribution

The study introduces specific AMF strains that enhance soybean productivity and seed quality through improved growth and reduced pathogenic fungal colonization.

## Key findings

- AMF treatments increased plant growth, photosynthetic rate, and water-use efficiency compared to the unfertilized control.
- Acaulospora dilatata KKU-SK202 produced the highest pod number and increased 100-seed weight significantly.
- AMF inoculation reduced root colonization by pathogenic fungi, with G. margarita KKU-SK210 and A. dilatata KKU-SK202 being most effective.

## Abstract

This study evaluated the efficiency of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in promoting the growth, yield, protein, and phytochemical contents of Glycine max cv. Morkhor 60. A completely randomized pot experiment was conducted for 90 days in non-sterile soil with nine replications. Three AMF species were tested and compared with two non-mycorrhizal controls, with and without NPK fertilizer. All AMF treatments enhanced plant growth, photosynthetic rate, and water-use efficiency compared with the unfertilized control. Inoculation with Acaulospora dilatata KKU-SK202 produced the highest pod number and increased 100-seed weight by 27.00% and 4.13% over the non-inoculated and NPK treatments, respectively. Gigaspora margarita KKU-SK210 yielded the highest total protein and phenolic contents, while A. dilatata KKU-SK401 showed the highest antioxidant activity (72.09%). Metabarcoding analysis revealed that AMF inoculation reduced root colonization by pathogenic fungi, with G. margarita KKU-SK210 and A. dilatata KKU-SK202 being the most effective. These results suggest that AMF inoculation can enhance soybean productivity and seed quality while reducing chemical fertilizer dependency and pathogenic fungal incidence.