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Research article2025Peer reviewedOpen access

Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) mediated biofortification of micronutrients, protein characteristics, and γ-aminobutyric acid in sorghum grown on vertisols in the central clay plains of Sudan

Elsafy, Mohammed; Elkhatim, Khitma A. Sir; Tia, Nouralhuda A. J.; Hamid, Manhal Gobara; Rahmatov, Mahbubjon; Joergensen, Rainer Georg; Hassan, Amro B.; Abdelhalim, Tilal Sayed

Abstract

Hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiencies are critical global challenges, particularly in developing nations. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhance plant nutrient uptake and may provide a sustainable solution. This study evaluated the impact of locally sourced AMF inocula on the nutritional quality of four sorghum cultivars grown on vertisols in Sudan's central clay plains. A split-plot field trial at two locations assessed AMF inoculation (main plot factor) and sorghum cultivars (sub-plot factor) across three replicates. AMF inoculation significantly improved grain crude protein (10.5% to 11.9%), in-vitro protein digestibility (60.8 to 69.9 g/100 g), protein solubility (4.0 to 4.9 g/100 g), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content (0.6 to 2.1 mg/g). Total and bioavailable iron and zinc levels in AMF-treated grains (40.6% and 40.3%, respectively) exceeded those in non-treated grains (36.3% and 35.8%, respectively). Phytate content, an anti-nutrient, decreased significantly (339.9 to 238.2 mg/100 g) with AMF, showing an inverse relationship with micronutrient levels. Partial least squares regression analysis identified cultivar P954063 with AMF inoculation at Medani as optimal for enhancing grain nutritional quality. These findings highlight the potential of locally produced AMF inoculum to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies in Sudan and similar regions.

Keywords

Inoculation; grain micronutrients; protein digestibility; mycorrhizal biofortification; GABA content

Published in

Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science
2025, volume: 71, number: 1, pages: 1-15
Publisher: TAYLOR AND FRANCIS LTD

SLU Authors

Global goals (SDG)

SDG2 Zero hunger

UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Sciences

Publication identifier

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340.2024.2439297

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/139986