Exploring the potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) for improving health-promoting phytochemicals in sorghum

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can change plants' biochemical and molecular pathways. This action significantly enhances the production and accumulation of different secondary compounds in different parts of the plants. This study evaluated the impact of the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on the phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activities of four sorghum cultivars Hakika, P954063, Tabat, and Tetron. The total phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoids, and tannin concentrations were significantly (P ​< ​0.05) higher in AMF ​+ ​sorghum grain for all cultivars. Additionally, the antioxidant activities of DPPH, TRP, and FRAP were also greater in sorghum grain cultivars inoculated with the AMF. The total phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoids, and tannin concentrations were significantly (P ​< ​0.05) higher in AMF ​+ ​sorghum grain for all cultivars. They were found to be 30.8 (mg GAE/g), 18.3 (mg CE/g), 5.5 (mg CE/g) and 3.4 (μg/g), respectively. Additionally, the antioxidant activities DPPH (6.1 ​mg Trolox/g), TRP (14.1 ​mg AAE/g), and FRAP (16.3 ​mg Trolox/g) were also greater in sorghum grain cultivars inoculated with the AMF. The partial least squares regression indicated that AMF+ was most valid in increasing the phytochemicals and antioxidants, particularly for sorghum cultivar Tetron grown in White Nile. The enhancement in the accumulation of the content of the phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of sorghum grains after AMF+ is a positive indicator of the effectiveness of this inoculation and could be a practical tool to improve sorghum health-promoting compounds.