Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in improving drought resistance of Ipomoea aquatica for agriculture

Frequent and severe droughts increasingly threaten global agricultural productivity and point out the need for sustainable solutions to enhance crop resilience. This study investigates the role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in improving drought tolerance in Ipomoea aquatica (kangkong), a water-loving plant widely consumed in Malaysia. A field and laboratory experiment were conducted using 6 pots divided into two treatment groups: AMF, and none-AMF, tested under three watering regimes: daily, weekly, and no watering (to simulate local climate). Weekly data on soil pH, plant height, and soil moisture were analysed using Microsoft Excel. Quantitative data were conducted in this study, results show that AMF-treated plants consistently outperformed groups across all watering regimes. Soil pH, plant height, and soil mixture data were collected and analysed using Excel revealing that AMF enhanced nutrient absorption, stabilized soil pH, improved soil moisture retention, and supported drought tolerance mechanisms, such as increased proline levels and antioxidant enzyme activity. Non-inoculated plants showed stunted growth and reduced drought resilience under similar conditions. This study highlights AMF’s potential to promote soil health, reduce water dependency, and minimize chemical fertilizer use, making it a viable strategy for sustainable agriculture. Integrating AMF into farming practices offers a promising approach to addressing agricultural challenges in the face of climate change.