Diversity and Ecological Functions of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Nigeria: Current Status and Trend for Future Research

Mycorrhizal fungi are mutualistic symbionts of many terrestrial plants that improve soil structure, fertility, and ecological stability by helping plants absorb phosphorus, nitrogen, and minerals while providing carbon to the fungus. Studies on the variety of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Ectomycorrhizal Fungi (ECM) in Nigeria are compiled in this review. It has been reported that Glomus species among AMF has dominant diversity and distribution across Nigeria, especially in the southwestern region while the northern region having underrepresentation of AMF studies, other genera like Scutellospora, Gigaspora, Funneliformis, Septoglomus and Acaulospora species were also reported. ECM studies remain limited and basically focused on mushroom surveys. Most investigations explore morphological identification methods for both AMF and ECM and focus more on mycorrhizal effects on growth and functions on food crops, neglecting their diversity and conservation concern. However, Root tip morphology assessment remains a knowledge gap for ECM studies in Nigeria. Molecular evaluation of species and diversity studies involving Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) are rarely applied, thereby limiting taxonomic and functional understanding. Future research should integrate molecular techniques, expand sampling across vegetation types, and establish national databases for long-term monitoring. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and applying mycorrhizal knowledge to agriculture, reforestation, and soil restoration will promote biodiversity conservation, food security, climate change mitigation, and sustainable ecosystem management in Nigeria.