Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in coffee plantations with different shade types in Chiapas, Mexico

Authors

  • Kristell Karina Robles-González El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Panamericana y Periférico Sur s/n. C. P. 29290, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, México https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8656-0057
  • José David Álvarez-Solís El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Panamericana y Periférico Sur s/n. C. P. 29290, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, México
  • Yolanda del Carmen Pérez-Luna Universidad Politécnica de Chiapas, Carretera Tuxtla-Villaflores KM. 1+500, Las Brisas, C.P. 29150, Suchiapa, Chiapas, México https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3882-6660
  • María Lorena Soto-Pinto El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Panamericana y Periférico Sur s/n. C. P. 29290, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, México
  • Alejandro Morón Ríos El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Av. Rancho Polígono 2A, Parque Industrial Lerma, C.P. 24500, Campeche, México https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8790-0383

Keywords:

Acaulospora, arbuscular mycorrhiza, biodiversity, Coffea arabica, organic agriculture

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) live in symbiosis with most vascular plants, through which they can enhance nutrient uptake and plant growth. This study aimed to evaluate the abundance, richness, and diversity of AMF in coffee crops (Coffea arabica L.) under different types of shade during the dry and rainy seasons in Chiapas, Mexico. The study was conducted in the coffee-growing region of the Highlands of Chiapas, in nine coffee plantations: three without shade, three with simple shade, and three with mixed shade. Soil samples were collected around the roots of coffee bushes and processed for physical and chemical analysis, spore density, and morphological species identification. A total of 38 AMF species were identified, with Acaulospora being the predominant genus. The highest abundance occurred during the dry season in coffee plantations with diverse shade, with 266.4 (±45.3) spores/50 g of soil, Shannon-Wiener diversity of 2.40 (±0.32), observed richness of 26.7 (±5.6). Among the species found, Acaulospora tuberculata, Glomus pansihalos, and Rhizophagus manihotis are new records for Mexico. In conclusion, the dry season and diverse shade in the coffee plantation had a positive effect on the abundance, diversity, and species richness of AMF.

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Published

2026-08-08

How to Cite

(1)
Robles-González, K. K.; Álvarez-Solís, J. D.; Pérez-Luna, Y. del C.; Soto-Pinto, M. L.; Morón Ríos, A. Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Coffee Plantations With Different Shade Types in Chiapas, Mexico. Gayana Bot. 2026, 83, 1-15.

Issue

Vol. 83 No. 1 (2026)

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Kristell Karina Robles-González, José David Álvarez-Solís, Yolanda del Carmen Pérez-Luna, María Lorena Soto-Pinto, Alejandro Morón Ríos

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