Synergy between AMF and accompanying microbiome enriched with PGPB enhances root development and microbiome dynamics

Abstract

Plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPM) are promising biostimulants to enhance plant growth and promote sustainable production practices. PGPM can be a single species or a mix of microbes. This study examined the effects of beneficial single bacterial species and a mix of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) plus their microbiome (AMFc) from a wild chrysanthemum relative on a commercial chrysanthemum cultivar. We tested the synergistic effect of combining AMFc with two bacterial strains (SMF006 and SMF018) on plant growth, root architecture, and rhizosphere microbiome during early development. Our results showed AMFc significantly increased root surface area, diameter, volume, and biomass. Co-inoculation with SMF006 increased root dry biomass by 75% and shaped the microbial community, enriching beneficial bacteria (Sphingomonas, Taibaiella) and fungi (Trichoderma, Penicillium). These findings demonstrate that the combination of AMFc and the SMF006 strain enhances early-stage growth of chrysanthemum cuttings, indicating its potential as a bioinoculant strategy for sustainable horticultural production.