Guava Tree (Psidium guajava L.) Associated with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: A Systematic Review

The guava is a fruit plant of considerable economic importance, since the consumption of its fruit is widespread in several countries, either fresh or processed. Guava production presents numerous challenges related to plant health, quality, and productivity. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are beneficial microorganisms that can be used to improve guava cultivation. This work aimed to systematically review the studies available in the literature on the effects of AMF on guava. This review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. Among all database, and considering duplicated or not specific texts, approximately 5.832 articles were found, However, only 21 articles remained in this review after analyses of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles were separated and explored in 5 categories (diversity and infectivity of AMF naturally found in guava plantations; infectivity and growth benefits of AMF purposely inoculated in guava seedlings; biocontrol of nematodes in guava trees inoculated with AMF; biofetilizers and others) according to the investigated effects between the fungus and the plant. Based on the reviewed studies, it is concluded that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi play a significant role in their association with guava, leading to various effects. These effects extend across agricultural practices, environmental sciences, and biotechnology, highlighting their importance and potential across different research areas and guava management practices.