Seed size influences arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis across leguminous host-plant species at the seedling stage

Eighteen species of the Fabaceae were selected to investigate the relationship between plant seed size and the density of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) structures on the roots of young plants. The results demonstrated that seed size showed a strong negative correlation with the density of AM structures: smaller seeds exhibiting higher AM densities, which suggested that seed size may regulate AM symbiosis across leguminous host-plants species in natural habitats. Furthermore, the results also implied that different plant species used specific strategies, such as mycorrhizal symbiosis, to enhance seedling survival at the seedling stage.