Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) exhibit diverse strategies for colonization and survival, yet the extent to which different propagule types-roots, extraradical hyphae, and spores-contribute to these processes remains unclear. In a pot experiment using Allium tuberosum and soils from three field sites, we characterized AMF communities in root, hyphal, and spore fractions through 18S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 427 OTUs were identified, with Glomus and Paraglomus dominating. Root fractions contained significantly more OTUs than hyphal fractions, suggesting strong specialization for intraradical colonization. Only a small subset of taxa occurred across all propagule types. Indicator species analysis revealed 21 OTUs with significant associations, mainly in root and hyphal fractions, while spore-specific taxa were rare. PERMANOVA revealed that both propagule type and soil type shaped the community structure, with propagule identity being the stronger factor. These results highlight propagule-type specialization as a key ecological trait in AMF and underscore the importance of examining multiple fungal compartments to fully capture AMF diversity and function.