On-site growth response of a desert ephemeral plant, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plantago minuta</Emphasis>, to indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a central Asia desert

Desert ephemeral plants play a key role in desert ecosystem stability and environmental conservation. To determine the effect of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on the growth and P uptake of the desert ephemeral Plantago minuta, we conducted two on-site experiments in the Gurbantunggut Desert. The co-development of a pre-isolated indigenous AM fungus, Glomus etunicatum, with the ephemeral was also investigated. The results showed that both the single fungus and the indigenous AM fungal community enhanced the growth and P uptake of P. minuta. The phenological phases of P. minuta were highly consistent with the phases of the indigenous AM fungus, G. etunicatum, indicating that both symbiotic partners seem to be able to sense the changes in local weather, which might be an important trait for the survival of both plant and fungus in desert environments. The development of host plant and indigenous AM fungi were interdependent in the desert.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal and dark septate endophytic fungi at 5,500 m on a glacier forefront in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi are rarely studied at extremely high elevations. Here, AM and DSE colonization in two dominant plant species (Melandrium apetalum and Poa litwinowiana) were microscopically observed on the forefront of Zhadang Glacier (5,500 m above sea level) in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. The AM fungal taxa were also identified by molecular methods. Both AM and DSE fungi synchronously colonized these two plant species, but AM dominated in M. apetalum and DSE dominated in P. litwinowiana. A total of five AM fungal spore morphotypes (Acaulospora capsicula, Diversispora sp., Glomus constrictum, G. eburneum and Glomus sp.) were found in the rhizosphere soils. Molecular identification revealed two AM fungal phylotypes: one Claroideoglomus phylotype from roots and one Diversispora phylotype from spores. These results extend the elevation at which both AM and DSE are known to occur.     

Communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Stipa krylovii (Poaceae) in the Mongolian steppe

We examined arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi colonizing the roots of Stipa krylovii, a grass species dominating the grasslands of the steppe zone in Hustai and Uvurkhangai in Mongolia. The AM fungal communities of the collected S. krylovii roots were examined by molecular analysis based on the partial sequences of a small subunit of ribosomal RNA gene as well as AM fungal colonization rates. Almost all AM fungi detected were in Glomus-group A, and were divided into 10 phylotypes. Among them, one phylotype forming a clade with G. intraradices and G. irregulare was the most dominant. Furthermore, it was also found that most of the phylotypes include AM fungi previously detected in high altitude regions in the Eurasian Continent. Significant correlations were found among soil total N, total plant biomass and AM fungal colonization ratio, which suggested that higher plant biomass may be required for the proliferation of AM fungi in the environment. Meanwhile, redundancy analysis on AM fungal distribution and environmental variables suggested that the effect of plant biomass and most soil chemical properties on the AM fungal communities were not significant.     

Desert soil fungi isolated from Saudi Arabia: cultivable fungal community and biochemical production

Desert soils harbor fungi that have survived under highly stressed conditions of high temperature and little available moisture. This study was designed to survey the communities of cultivable fungi in the desert soils of the Arabian Peninsula and to screen the fungi for the potentially valuable antioxidants (flavonoids, phenols, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids) and enzymes (cellulase, laccase, lipase, protease, amylase, and chitinase). Desert soil was sampled at 30 localities representing different areas of Saudi Arabia and studied for physico-chemical soil properties. Five types of soil texture (sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, silty loam, and sandy clay loam) were observed. A total of 25 saprotrophic species was identified molecularly from 68 isolates. Our survey revealed 13 culturable fungal species that have not been reported previously from Arabian desert soils and six more species not reported from Saudi Arabian desert soils. The most commonly recorded genera were Aspergillus (isolated from 20 localities) and Penicillium (6 localities). The measurements of biochemicals revealed that antioxidants were produced by 49 and enzymes by 52 isolates; only six isolates did not produce any biochemicals. The highest biochemical activity was observed for the isolates Fusarium brachygibbosum and A. phoenicis. Other active isolates were A. proliferans and P. chrysogenum. The same species, for instance, A. niger had isolates of both high and low biochemical activities. Principal component analysis gave a tentative indication of a relationship between the biochemical activity of fungi isolated from soil and soil texture variables namely the content of silt, clay and sand. However, any generalizable relation between soil properties and fungal biochemical activities cannot be suggested. Each fungal isolate is probable to produce several antioxidants and enzymes, as shown by the correlation within the compound groups. Desert soil warrants further research as a promising source of biochemicals.     

Succession of fungi colonizing porous and compact limestone exposed to subtropical environments

Little is known about the dynamics of succession of fungi on limestone exposed in subtropical environments. In this study, the colonization of experimental blocks of compact and porous limestone by a fungal community derived from natural biofilms occurring on Structure X from the archaeological site of Becán (México), was studied using a cultivation-dependent approach after short-term (9 m) exposure in order to provide a preliminary insight of the colonization process under seminatural conditions. Microbial growth seen as the change of colour of stone surfaces to black/dark green was more abundant on the porous limestone. There was a fairly clear difference in microbial colonization between the onset of the experiment and the 6th month for both limestone types, but no significant increase in the colonization of coupons occurred between months 6 and 9. This could be related to the low rainfall expected for this period, corresponding to the dry season. A total of 977 isolates were obtained. From these, 138 sterile fungi were unidentified, 380 could only be assigned to the order Sphaeropsidales; the remaining isolates (459) were grouped into 27 genera and 99 different species. Nearly all detected fungal species belonged to the Ascomycota (90 %). Rare taxa (species represented by one to three isolates) included the recently described genus Elasticomyces, several species of genera Hyalodendron, Monodyctis, Papulospora, Curvularia, and Septoria. Other taxa were Minimedusa and Gliomastix luzulae, which have not been previously described for stone environments. Abundant fungi included several species of the common genera Cladosporium, Alternaria, and Taeniolella typical for a range of habitats. Succession of populations was observed for certain taxa, this shift in the composition of fungal communities was more evident in porous limestone. After 6 m of exposure, species of the genera Scolecobasidium, Hyalodendron, and Taeniolella were predominant, while after 9 m, the predominant species belonged to the genera Curvularia and Alternaria, particularly on porous stone. These results suggest that Curvularia and Alternaria replaced other fungi, due to a higher tolerance towards low levels of available water during the dry season. Higher levels of water within the porous stone, keep longer periods of microbial activity, minimizing the impact of desiccation. This study contributes to understand the diversity of fungal communities in stone surfaces in subtropical settings and the dynamics of colonization on limestone.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization in field-collected terrestrial cordate gametophytes of pre-polypod leptosporangiate ferns (Osmundaceae,Gleicheniaceae, Plagiogyriaceae,Cyatheaceae)

To determine the mycorrhizal status of pteridophyte gametophytes in diverse taxa, the mycorrhizal colonization of wild gametophytes was investigated in terrestrial cordate gametophytes of pre-polypod leptosporangiate ferns, i.e., one species of Osmundaceae (Osmunda banksiifolia), two species of Gleicheniaceae (Diplopterygium glaucum, Dicranopteris linearis), and four species of Cyatheales including tree ferns (Plagiogyriaceae: Plagiogyria japonica, Plagiogyria euphlebia; Cyatheaceae: Cyathea podophylla, Cyathea lepifera). Microscopic observations revealed that 58 to 97 % of gametophytes in all species were colonized with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Fungal colonization was limited to the multilayered midrib (cushion) tissue in all gametophytes examined. Molecular identification using fungal SSU rDNA sequences indicated that the AM fungi in gametophytes primarily belonged to the Glomeraceae, but also included the Claroideoglomeraceae, Gigasporaceae, Acaulosporaceae, and Archaeosporales. This study provides the first evidence for AM fungal colonization of wild gametophytes in the Plagiogyriaceae and Cyatheaceae. Taxonomically divergent photosynthetic gametophytes are similarly colonized by AM fungi, suggesting that mycorrhizal associations with AM fungi could widely occur in terrestrial pteridophyte gametophytes.     

Fungi associated with rocks of the Atacama Desert: taxonomy,distribution, diversity,ecology and bioprospection for bioactive compounds

This study assessed the diversity of cultivable rock‐associated fungi from Atacama Desert. A total of 81 fungal isolates obtained were identified as 29 Ascomycota taxa by sequencing different regions of DNA. Cladosporium halotolerans, Penicillium chrysogenum and Penicillium cf. citrinum were the most frequent species, which occur at least in four different altitudes. The diversity and similarity indices ranged in the fungal communities across the latitudinal gradient. The Fisher‐α index displayed the higher values for the fungal communities obtained from the siltstone and fine matrix of pyroclastic rocks with finer grain size, which are more degraded. A total of 23 fungal extracts displayed activity against the different targets screened. The extract of P. chrysogenum afforded the compounds α‐linolenic acid and ergosterol endoperoxide, which were active against Cryptococcus neoformans and methicillin‐resistance Staphylococcus aureus respectively. Our study represents the first report of a new habitat of fungi associated with rocks of the Atacama Desert and indicated the presence of interesting fungal community, including species related with saprobes, parasite/pathogen and mycotoxigenic taxa. The geological characteristics of the rocks, associated with the presence of rich resident/resilient fungal communities suggests that the rocks may provide a favourable microenvironment fungal colonization, survival and dispersal in extreme conditions.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal and septate endophyte fungal associations in lycophytes and ferns of south India

We studied extent and type of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and septate endophytic (SE) fungal associations in five lycophytes and 50 ferns collected from Eastern and Western Ghats regions. Of the 54 species and one variety (belonging to 31 genera) examined; 54 taxa had AM association and AM fungal structures were absent in Marsilea quadrifolia. This is the first report of AM and SE fungal status for 26 species each. Of the 55 taxa examined, AM morphology has been evaluated for the first time in 51 species. The hydrophytic fern Salvinia molesta was mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal at different sites. All the epiphytic and saxicolous species examined were mycorrhizal. The percentage of AM colonization ranged from 22.23 (Christella parasitica) to 82.20 (Adiantum lunulatum) in ferns and 53.46 (Selaginella bryopteris) to 84.34 (Selaginella sp.) in lycophytes. Epiphytic life-forms had the maximum average AM colonization levels, whereas aquatic life-forms had the minimum colonization levels. The percentage root length colonized by septate fungi ranged between 0.59 in Ophioglossum reticulatum and 16.36 in Pteris pellucida. The root length with AM and SE fungal structures as well as their total colonization significantly varied among the taxa examined. Most of the lycophytes and ferns had intermediate-type of AM morphology with a few exhibiting Paris-type. AM fungal spore numbers ranged from 1.0 (Angiopteris evecta, Pteridium aquilinum) to (Nephrolepis exaltata) 9.3 spores per 25 g soil and varied significantly among taxa. AM fungal spore morphotypes belonging to Claroideoglomus, Funneliformis, Glomus and Rhizophagus were recorded.     

Phylogenetically diverse AM fungi from Ecuador strongly improve seedling growth of native potential crop trees

In many deforested regions of the tropics, afforestation with native tree species could valorize a growing reservoir of degraded, previously overused and abandoned land. The inoculation of tropical tree seedlings with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi) can improve tree growth and viability, but efficiency may depend on plant and AM fungal genotype. To study such effects, seven phylogenetically diverse AM fungi, native to Ecuador, from seven genera and a non-native AM fungus (Rhizophagus irregularis DAOM197198) were used to inoculate the tropical potential crop tree (PCT) species Handroanthus chrysanthus (synonym Tabebuia chrysantha), Cedrela montana, and Heliocarpus americanus. Twenty-four plant-fungus combinations were studied in five different fertilization and AMF inoculation treatments. Numerous plant growth parameters and mycorrhizal root colonization were assessed. The inoculation with any of the tested AM fungi improved seedling growth significantly and in most cases reduced plant mortality. Plants produced up to threefold higher biomass, when compared to the standard nursery practice. AM fungal inoculation alone or in combination with low fertilization both outperformed full fertilization in terms of plant growth promotion. Interestingly, root colonization levels for individual fungi strongly depended on the host tree species, but surprisingly the colonization strength did not correlate with plant growth promotion. The combination of AM fungal inoculation with a low dosage of slow release fertilizer improved PCT seedling performance strongest, but also AM fungal treatments without any fertilization were highly efficient. The AM fungi tested are promising candidates to improve management practices in tropical tree seedling production.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal and dark septate endophyte fungal associations in South Indian grasses

We examined arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and dark septate endophyte (DSE) fungal association in 50 south Indian grasses from four different sites. AM fungal diversity was also compared among the different sites. Forty-four of the 50 grasses examined had AM association and dual association with DSE fungi occurred in 25 grasses. We report for the first time AM and DSE fungal status in 23 and 27 grasses respectively. Arum-type AM morphology was the dominant occurring in 21 grasses with typical Paris-type colonization occurring in 6 grasses. AM morphology is reported for the first time in 35 grasses. Over the different sites, spore density in the soil ranged from 5–22 per 100 g air-dried soil. Spores of 11 AM fungal taxa were isolated from the soil samples of grasses of which nine belonged to Glomus, one to Acaulospora and one to Scutellospora. No significant relationship existed between AM fungal colonization and spore numbers. Species richness was high in site II and Glomus aggregatum, Glomus viscosum and Glomus mosseae were most frequent species at different sites. Overall species diversity indices (Simpson index, Shannon-Weaver index, species equitability index) differed significantly between sites.     

Effects of climatic and edaphic factors on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of Hippophae rhamnoides in the Loess Plateau, China

In order to investigate the effects of climatic and edaphic factors on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in the rhizosphere of Hippophae rhamnoides in the Loess Plateau, spore density, mycorrhizal colonization and gene diversity were analyzed by using the methods of microscopy and polymerase chain reactiondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) respectively. The results showed that H. rhamnoides could form strong symbiotic relationships with AM fungi. There existed obvious differences in AM fungal colonization among five sampling sites in the Loess Plateau (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that AM fungal colonization and spore density were closely related with climatic and edaphic factors. 42 different species (band types) were found in the DGGE gel. Based on analysing the position and intensity of AM fungal DGGE bands, the gene diversity indices, including species richness, evenness, Simpsom’s and Shannon-Weiner index, showed significant differences among five sampling sites (P < 0.05). All the AM species could be classified into four groups in the biplot of canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), and each group had various responses to climatic and edaphic factors. Monte Carlo random test indicated that soil available phosphorus (F = 2.26, P = 0.025) and spore density (F = 1.76, P = 0.006) were the dominating factors affecting AM fungal communities. In conclusion, AM fungal colonization and community diversity in the rhizosphere of H. rhamnoides showed obvious spatial heterogeneity among the different areas of the Loess Plateau, and climatic and edaphic conditions were important factors affecting the AM fungal communities. Therefore, screening and application of AM fungal strains in the Loess Plateau need to fully consider the local climatic and edaphic conditions.     

Early Root Herbivory Impairs Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Colonization and Shifts Defence Allocation in Establishing Plantago lanceolata

Research into plant-mediated indirect interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and insect herbivores has focussed on those between plant shoots and above-ground herbivores, despite the fact that only below-ground herbivores share the same part of the host plant as AM fungi. Using Plantago lanceolata L., we aimed to characterise how early root herbivory by the vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus F.) affected subsequent colonization by AM fungi (Glomus spp.) and determine how the two affected plant growth and defensive chemistry. We exposed four week old P. lanceolata to root herbivory and AM fungi using a 2×2 factorial design (and quantified subsequent effects on plant biomass and iridoid glycosides (IGs) concentrations. Otiorhynchus sulcatus reduced root growth by c. 64%, whereas plant growth was unaffected by AM fungi. Root herbivory reduced extent of AM fungal colonization (by c. 61%). O. sulcatus did not influence overall IG concentrations, but caused qualitative shifts in root and shoot IGs, specifically increasing the proportion of the more toxic catalpol. These changes may reflect defensive allocation in the plant against further attack. This study demonstrates that very early root herbivory during plant development can shape future patterns of AM fungal colonization and influence defensive allocation in the plant.     

Symbiotic interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and male papaya plants: Its status,role and implications

Experiments were conducted to study the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) status and its role in P-uptake through assay of root phosphatases activities in four varieties of male Carica papaya L. viz. CO-1, CO-2, Honey Dew and Washington during flowering stages. In the present study, mean total root colonization of AM fungi recorded peak increase in flowering stage-II while mean root phosphatase (acid and alkaline) activities recorded peak increase in flowering stage-I. Unlike root colonization and root phosphatase activities, spore density did not exhibit any definite patterns and recorded a narrow range of fluctuation during different flowering stages of male C. papaya. The study brought out the fact that root colonization and spore density of AM fungi along with root phosphatase activities varied significantly within the four varieties of male C. papaya plants during each flowering stage. The study also recorded consistently higher acid root phosphatase activity than alkaline root phosphatase activity under P-deficient, acidic soil conditions during all flowering stages of male C. papaya plants. Studies revealed that the root colonization of AM fungi influenced root phosphatase activities (acid and alkaline) positively and significantly during all flowering stages of male C. papaya plants. A total of twelve species of AM fungi belonging to five genera viz. Acaulospora, Dentiscutata, Gigaspora, Glomus, and Racocetra were recovered from the rhizosphere of male C. papaya plants.     

蒙古沙冬青伴生植物AM真菌的空间分布

进一步探究荒漠植物与AM(arbuscular mycorrhiza)真菌共生关系及其生态适应性,为以蒙古沙冬青为建群种适生区的植被恢复与生态改良提供依据。于2013年6月在内蒙古荒漠带选取以蒙古沙冬青为建群种的3个样地乌海、磴口和阿拉善,从每个样地选择2种主要伴生植物,按0—10、10—20、20—30、30—40、40—50 cm共5个土层采集土样和根样,研究了蒙古沙冬青伴生植物AM真菌空间分布及其与土壤因子的关系。从梭梭(Haloxylon ammodendron)、油蒿(Artemisia ordosica)、柠条锦鸡儿(Caragana korshinskii)和蒙古扁桃(Amygdalus mongolica)4种伴生植物根围土壤共分离鉴定4属25种AM真菌,其中球囊霉属(Glomus)14种,无梗囊霉属(Acaulospora)7种,管柄囊霉属(Funneliformis)3种,盾巨孢囊霉属(Scutellospora)1种,优势菌种为网状球囊霉(Glomus reticulatum),AM真菌属种分布具有不均衡性和地域性。4种伴生植物根系均能与AM真菌形成I-型(intermediate type)丛枝菌根,其共生程度和定殖规律具有明显空间异质性。AM真菌种数随土层深度增加而下降。AM真菌最大定殖率在10—30 cm土层,最大孢子密度在10—20 cm土层。相关性分析表明,AM真菌菌丝与土壤有机C极显著正相关(P0.01),与易提取球囊霉素(EEG)显著负相关(P0.05);孢子密度与有机C、碱性磷酸酶极显著负相关(P0.01),与碱解N极显著正相关(P0.01)。主成分分析表明,土壤有效P、酸性磷酸酶、碱性磷酸酶和总球囊霉素(TEG)等土壤因子能综合反映内蒙古荒漠带营养状况。TEG和EEG平均含量分别为4.76 mg/g和1.62 mg/g,占土壤有机C平均含量为61.26%和20.8%,说明在贫瘠荒漠环境中球囊霉素是土壤有机碳库重要来源和组成部分。     

Fungal diversity in the Atacama Desert

Fungi are generally easily dispersed, able to colonise a wide variety of substrata and can tolerate diverse environmental conditions. However, despite these abilities, the diversity of fungi in the Atacama Desert is practically unknown. Most of the resident fungi in desert regions are ubiquitous. Some of them, however, seem to display specific adaptations that enable them to survive under the variety of extreme conditions of these regions, such as high temperature, low availability of water, osmotic stress, desiccation, low availability of nutrients, and exposure to high levels of UV radiation. For these reasons, fungal communities living in the Atacama Desert represent an unknown part of global fungal diversity and, consequently, may be source of new species that could be potential sources for new biotechnological products. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge of the diversity, ecology, adaptive strategies, and biotechnological potential of the fungi reported in the different ecosystems of the Atacama Desert.     

The best for the guest: high Andean nurse cushions of Azorella madreporica enhance arbuscular mycorrhizal status in associated plant species

Positive interactions between cushion plant and associated plants species in the high Andes of central Chile should also include the effects of fungal root symbionts. We hypothesized that higher colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi exists in cushion-associated (nursling) plants compared with conspecific individuals growing on bare ground. We assessed the AM status of Andean plants at two sites at different altitudes (3,200 and 3,600 m a.s.l.) in 23 species, particularly in cushions of Azorella madreporica and five associated plants; additionally, AM fungal spores were retrieved from soil outside and beneath cushions. 18 of the 23 examined plant species presented diagnostic structures of arbuscular mycorrhiza; most of them were also colonized by dark-septate endophytes. Mycorrhization of A. madreporica cushions showed differences between both sites (68% and 32%, respectively). In the native species Hordeum comosum, Nastanthus agglomeratus, and Phacelia secunda associated to A. madreporica, mycorrhization was six times higher than in the same species growing dispersed on bare ground at 3,600 m a.s.l., but mycorrhiza development was less cushion dependent in the alien plants Cerastium arvense and Taraxacum officinale at both sites. The ratio of AM fungal spores beneath versus outside cushions was also 6:1. The common and abundant presence of AM in cushion communities at high altitudes emphasizes the importance of the fungal root symbionts in such situations where plant species benefit from the microclimatic conditions generated by the cushion and also from well-developed mycorrhizal networks.     

丛枝菌根真菌群落沿高寒草原海拔梯度的变化特征

基于丛枝菌根(Arbuscular mycorrhizal,AM)真菌孢子形态学的鉴定,对沿不同海拔(4584、4628、4744、4880、4956 m)梯度采集的高寒草原建群植物根际土壤样品进行了分析。结果表明,高寒草原AM真菌属、种构成均较简单,Acaulospora、Claroideoglomus、Funneliformis、Glomus属见于各海拔梯度,海拔4744 m地带未见Pacispora属,海拔4744、4956 m地带无Scutellospora属分布,Rhizophagus属仅见于海拔4584 m地带。随海拔上升,AM真菌种数、物种丰度均呈显著下降;海拔4584—4880 m范围Shannon-Weiner指数(H)无显著差异,但在最高海拔时显著下降;优势种种数及所占比例与海拔梯度则呈显著正相关(Funneliformis geosporum、Claroideoglomus claroideum为不同海拔梯度优势种);沿海拔梯度,孢子密度基本呈单峰分布格局,峰值出现在海拔4744 m地带;海拔梯度对菌根侵染效应影响显著,菌根侵染率、侵染强度和丛枝丰度随海拔上升均呈显著下降趋势;不同海拔梯度高寒草原AM真菌群落相似度(Sorensen相似性系数0.821—0.969)较高,并在总体上表现出随海拔梯度增大而降低的趋势。土壤pH值、有效磷、有机碳、海拔对AM真菌的群落分布均产生显著影响,尤以海拔的影响最为显著。研究结果对预测高寒草原微生物的作用与影响,以及高寒草原环境对全球变化的响应等提供了理论依据。     

Full Establishment of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in Rice Occurs Independently of Enzymatic Jasmonate Biosynthesis

Development of the mutualistic arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) symbiosis between most land plants and fungi of the Glomeromycota is regulated by phytohormones. The role of jasmonate (JA) in AM colonization has been investigated in the dicotyledons Medicago truncatula, tomato and Nicotiana attenuata and contradicting results have been obtained with respect to a neutral, promotive or inhibitory effect of JA on AM colonization. Furthermore, it is currently unknown whether JA plays a role in AM colonization of monocotyledonous roots. Therefore we examined whether JA biosynthesis is required for AM colonization of the monocot rice. To this end we employed the rice mutant constitutive photomorphogenesis 2 (cpm2), which is deficient in JA biosynthesis. Through a time course experiment the amount and morphology of fungal colonization did not differ between wild-type and cpm2 roots. Furthermore, no significant difference in the expression of AM marker genes was detected between wild type and cpm2. However, treatment of wild-type roots with 50 μM JA lead to a decrease of AM colonization and this was correlated with induction of the defense gene PR4. These results indicate that JA is not required for AM colonization of rice but high levels of JA in the roots suppress AM development likely through the induction of defense.     

荒漠沙蒿根围AM真菌和DSE的空间分布

2009年7月在内蒙古黑城子北、多伦县城东和正蓝旗元上都遗址3个样地分别从0-10 cm、10-20 cm、20-30cm、30-40 cm和40-50 cm 5个土层采集沙蒿(Artemisia sphaerocephala)根围土壤和根样,系统研究了沙蒿根围AM真菌和DSE(Dark septate endophytes)的空间分布及与土壤因子的相关性。结果表明,沙蒿根系能被AM真菌高度侵染形成典型的I-型(Intermediate type)丛枝菌根,并发育形成泡囊和丛枝结构, 并与DSE形成良好的共生关系,样地生态条件和采样深度对AM真菌分布和活动有显著影响。黑城子样地孢子密度最高,元上都样地泡囊定殖率最高,不同样地间丛枝、菌丝、总定殖率和DSE定殖率无显著差异。孢子密度峰值出现在0-10cm表层土,并随土壤剖面深度增加而降低;泡囊定殖率峰值出现在10-20cm土层;AM真菌其他结构定殖率及DSE定殖率在各土层间差异不显著或变化无规律。孢子密度与AM真菌不同结构定殖率无显著相关性,与各土壤因子极显著正相关。泡囊定殖率与脲酶和碱性磷酸酶极显著负相关,与酸性磷酸酶显著负相关。菌丝定殖率、总定殖率及DSE定殖率与各土壤因子均无显著相关性。土壤碱解N和有机C与脲酶、酸性磷酸酶和碱性磷酸酶极显著正相关;土壤速效P与碱性磷酸酶极显著正相关,与脲酶显著正相关。对沙蒿根系AM真菌和DSE真菌分布和定殖规律的研究,可进一步明确AM真菌和DSE的生态功能,为利用菌根生物技术促进荒漠植被恢复和生态重建提供依据。     

The differential behavior of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in interaction with Astragalus sinicus L. under salt stress

Three arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (Glomus mosseae, Glomus claroideum, and Glomus intraradices) were compared for their root colonizing ability and activity in the root of Astragalus sinicus L. under salt-stressed soil conditions. Mycorrhizal formation, activity of fungal succinate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase, as well as plant biomass, were evaluated after 7 weeks of plant growth. Increasing the concentration of NaCl in soil generally decreased the dry weight of shoots and roots. Inoculation with AM fungi significantly alleviated inhibitory effect of salt stress. G. intraradices was the most efficient AM fungus compared with the other two fungi in terms of root colonization and enzyme activity. Nested PCR revealed that in root system of plants inoculated with a mix of the three AM fungi and grown under salt stress, the majority of mycorrhizal root fragments were colonized by one or two AM fungi, and some roots were colonized by all the three. Compared to inoculation alone, the frequency of G. mosseae in roots increased in the presence of the other two fungal species and highest level of NaCl, suggesting a synergistic interaction between these fungi under salt stress.