Occurrence and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonising off-season and in-season weeds and their relationship with maize yield under conservation agriculture

Abstract Weeds are responsible for major crop losses worldwide but can provide beneficial agroecosystem services. This study aimed to elucidate how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in weeds respond host identity and conservation agricultural practices. The was carried out at two locations Southern Africa during off-season in-season maize cultivation. Off-season AMF root colonisation, diversity indices community composition significantly differed among weed species both locations. Glomus sp. VTX00280 explains most of the differences. In-season, implementation conventional tillage with mulching alone (CT + M) or together rotation M R) resulted a 20% increase colonisation constantly occurring species, Bidens pilosa (BIDPI) Richardia scabra (RCHSC), compared plus rotations R). highest under no-tillage (NT M). structures BIDPI RCHSC were not related, 39% taxa shared. Structural equation modelling showed significant effect cropping system on parameters no influence traits detected yield. may be explained by improvement competitive ability, which have offset AMF-mediated benefits Our findings highlight that implementing CR CT NT positively affected diversity. similarity between supports fact functionally non-crop period.