Metagenomic Analysis of Rhizosphere Fungal Diversity in Maize with Various Crop Systems

Abstract

Monoculture alters the rhizosphere fungi by increasing the prevalence of pathogens and decreasing the abundance of beneficial species.Despite advances in metagenomics, the fungal diversity in maize under various cropping systems remains understudied.This study aimed to assess the diversity of rhizosphere fungi in maize (Zea mays) cultivated under monoculture and polyculture systems, using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT).In the polyculture system, maize was intercropped with chili (Capsicum sp.) to evaluate how crop diversity influences fungal communities.The results revealed that maize grown in polyculture hosted 60,255 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), a significantly higher number compared to 11.328 OTUs observed in monoculture.The dominant fungal phyla in both systems were Ascomycota, Chytridiomycota, and Basidiomycota.In the monoculture system, Ascomycota accounted for 72%, Chytridiomycota 18%, and Basidiomycota 7%.In contrast, polyculture systems showed a shift in distribution, where Ascomycota (65%), Chytridiomycota (33%), and Basidiomycota (1%).Although alpha diversity indices were categorized as medium to high in both systems, statistical analysis showed no significant differences.However, the substantial increase in OTU count under polyculture suggests greater fungal richness.These findings suggest that polyculture practices can increase rhizosphere fungal abundance and foster a more diverse soil microbial community.Such outcomes support the role of polyculture in advancing sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.

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