USTM study highlights game-changing role of mycorrhizal fungi in conserving threatened plant species

Meghalaya, August 8, 2025 — In a breakthrough study with far-reaching implications for conservation and sustainable healthcare, researchers at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) have uncovered how invisible allies in the soil — arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi — could be the key to preserving the state’s rapidly declining medicinal plant diversity.
The four-year research, led by Mrs. Nilufa Afruza under the supervision of Dr. Dhritiman Chanda, Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at USTM, examined nine critical medicinal plant species. These included Zingiber montanum (Ahuda), Curcuma zedoaria (Dekhichuphal), Ageratum conyzoides (Sambanguri), Alternanthera brasiliana, Ricinus communis (Khoronda), and Crinum asiaticum (Raja muri), all of which are facing threats from habitat loss, overharvesting, and climate change.
Using advanced metagenomic analysis, the team discovered that AM fungi significantly enhance plant growth by boosting nutrient uptake — particularly phosphorus and nitrogen — improving soil structure, and protecting against pathogens and environmental stress. Among the most striking findings, Zingiber montanum recorded the highest fungal diversity during the summer of 2022, with a Simpson’s Diversity Index of 0.7. Meanwhile, Ageratum conyzoides showed an impressive 80% root colonization during the rainy season of 2023.
“AM fungi are nature’s own biofertilizers,” explained Afruza. “They not only help plants thrive in nutrient-poor soils but also enhance the production of valuable medicinal compounds. This opens a pathway for the sustainable cultivation of endangered species without heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers.”
Microscopic and soil analysis revealed that two AM fungal groups — Acaulospora and Glomus — were the most dominant across all studied plant species. Peak fungal activity and root colonization occurred during the rainy season, coinciding with high levels of soil organic carbon and moisture.
Dr. Chanda emphasized the ecological and cultural significance of the findings. “Meghalaya’s hills are more than landscapes; they are living pharmacies. If we fail to act, we risk losing not only biodiversity but also centuries of indigenous knowledge tied to these plants.”
The research advocates for the creation of inoculum banks of native AM fungi and the establishment of a gene bank for medicinal plants. Such initiatives could transform conservation strategies in Northeast India and position Meghalaya as a hub for eco-friendly biotechnology.
With traditional medicine continuing to play a vital role in rural healthcare, the implications go beyond biodiversity. They touch on livelihoods, cultural heritage, and the future of sustainable, accessible healthcare for generations to come.