Estudio de la diversidad fúngica asociada al maíz (Zea mays l.) en tres localidades de la parroquia San José de Chazo, provincia de Chimborazo

Abstract

This research studied the fungal diversity associated with the rhizosphere of maize (Zea mays L.) in three locations of the San José de Chazo parish, Guano canton, Chimborazo province. Twelve composite samples were collected from the crop’s rhizosphere. Serial dilutions and plate spreading on PDA medium were used for fungal isolation. The isolates were phenotypically (culturally and morphologically) and molecularly characterized (ITS region sequencing). Fungal diversity was determined using three parameters: Colony-Forming Units (CFU/g), relative abundance, and diversity indices. A total of 44 fungal morphotypes were identified from the three studied locations, with 41 fungal microorganisms being morphologically and molecularly classified into the following genera: Penicillium, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Metarhizium, Talaromyces, Actinomucor, and Rhizopus. The genera Penicillium, Trichoderma, and Talaromyces were more prevalent in San José de Chazo. In contrast, Penicillium and Rhizopus showed the highest relative abundance in San Francisco, while Fusarium and Penicillium dominated in San Antonio. San José de Chazo exhibited the highest fungal richness (10), Shannon diversity (6.20), and Simpson diversity (4.46). Conversely, San Antonio recorded the lowest fungal richness (6.77), as well as the lowest Shannon (3.71) and Simpson (3.27) diversity indices. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential role of these fungi in maize cultivation.