Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi in the Arid Desert Ecosystems of Kuwait: Detection and Identification from Perennial Native Grass Roots

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) play a key role in enduring stresses in desert ecosystems, as they enhance the moisture and nutrient supply to desert plants. An investigation was carried out to detect the existence of AMF in the root regions of five perennial native desert grasses of Kuwait (Cenchrus ciliaris L., Cenchrus setigerus Vahl, Lasiurus scindicus Henrard, Pennisetum divisum (Forssk.) Henr., and Panicum turgidum Forssk.) in comparison with a non-native grass (Panicum virgatum L.). The native plants, C. setigerus and P. divisum had the highest colonization (100%) with vesicles, followed by P. turgidum (90%). The colonization of arbuscules was highest in the non-native grass, P. virgatum (60%), followed by C. setigerus (50%). Phylogenetic analysis for molecular identification to determine the genetic diversity of the AMF community in association with the native plant roots of the two dominant desert species, i.e., L. scindicus and P. turgidum, against P. virgatum, revealed a rich diversity. The AMF, Claroideoglomus lamellosum, and Rhizophagus sp. were identified from L. scindicus roots, Rhizophagus iranicus from P. turgidum roots, and Claroideoglomus lamellosum, from the non-native grass, P. virgatum, with almost 98–100% sequence similarity, indicating a significant difference between the mycorrhizal species in the nativity of grasses. This research confirms the diversity of AMF associated with native desert plants and emphasizes their symbiosis and host specificity. Thus, this study provides insight into AMF community structures, functions, and profiling, allowing us to understand their ecological and economic impacts, and ultimately implement strategies for sustainable biodiversity, productivity, and ecosystem management.