Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with the Meliaceae on Hainan island, China

Species richness, spore density, frequency of occurrence, and relative abundance of AM fungi were determined in rhizosphere soil samples from nine tropical rainforest sites on Hainan island, south China, and the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) status of members of the Meliaceae was examined. All 28 plant taxa investigated (25 species including two varieties of 1 species and three varieties of another) were colonized by AM fungi. The mean proportion of root length colonized was 56% (range 10–95%). Vesicles were observed in 27 and hyphal coils in 26 of the 28 plant taxa. Mycorrhizas were of the Paris-type or intermediate-type, with no Arum-type mycorrhizas observed. Species richness of AM fungi varied from 3 to 15 and spore density from 46 to 1,499 per 100 g rhizosphere soil. Of 33 AM fungal taxa in five genera isolated and identified, 18 belonged to Glomus, 9 to Acaulospora, 1 to Entrophospora, 2 to Gigaspora, and 3 to Scutellospora. Acaulospora and Glomus were the dominant genera identified. Glomus claroideum was the taxon most commonly isolated, with a frequency of occurrence of 56.5% and relative abundance of 10.4%. A positive correlation was found between percentage of root length colonization and species richness. However, there was no correlation between spore density and percentage of root length colonized by AM fungi.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal structure and fungi associated with mosses

We investigated the colonization and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi associated with 24 moss species belonging to 16 families in China. AM fungal structures, i.e. spores, vesicles, hyphal coils (including intracellular hyphae), or intercellular nonseptate hyphae, were found in 21 moss species. AM fungal structures (vesicles, hyphal coils, and intercellular nonseptate hyphae) were present in tissues of 14 moss species, and spores and nonseptate hyphae on the surface of gametophytes occurred in 15 species. AM fungal structures were present in 11 of the 12 saxicolous moss species and in six of the ten terricolous moss species, but absent in two epixylous moss species. AM fungal structures were only observed in moss stem and leaf tissues, but not in rhizoids. A total of 15 AM fungal taxa were isolated based on trap culture with clover, using 13 moss species as inocula. Of these AM fungi, 11 belonged to Glomus, two to Acaulospora, one to Gigaspora, and one to Paraglomus. Our results suggest that AM fungal structures commonly occur in most mosses and that diverse AM fungi, particularly Glomus species, are associated with mosses.     

Changes in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus community along an exotic plant Eupatorium adenophorum invasion in a chinese secondary forest

Knowledge of the changes in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is fundamental for understanding the success of exotic plant invasions in natural ecosystems. In this study, AM fungal colonization and spore community were examined along an invasive gradient of the exotic plant Eupatorium adenophorum in a secondary forest in southwestern China. With increasing E. adenophorum invasion, the density of arbuscules in the roots of E. adenophorum significantly increased, but the AM root colonization rate and the densities of vesicles and hyphal coils in roots of E. adenophorum were not significantly different. A total of 29 AM fungi belonging to nine genera were identified based on spore morphology. Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Funneliformis geosporus, and Glomus aggregatum were the most common AM fungal species. The E. adenophorum invasion significantly decreased the AM fungal spore density in the soil. Furthermore, with increasing of E. adenophorum invasion the spore densities of C. etunicatum, G. aggregatum, and G. arenarium significantly decreased, whereas F. geosporus significantly increased. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling demonstrated that the AM fungus community composition was significantly different (P=0.003) in the different invasive levels of E. adenophorum, and significantly correlated with plant species richness, soil total P, and soil NO₃ ^?-N. The results suggest that the alteration in AM fungus community might be caused by E. adenophorum invasion via changing the local plant community and soil properties in a Chinese secondary forest ecosystem.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with common pteridophytes in Dujiangyan,southwest China

The colonization and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi associated with common pteridophytes were investigated in Dujiangyan, southwest China. Of the 34 species of ferns from 16 families collected, 31 were colonized by AM fungi. The mean percentage root length colonized was 15%, ranging from 0 to 47%. Nineteen species formed Paris-type and 10 intermediate-type AM. In two ferns, only rare intercellular non-septate hyphae or vesicles were observed in the roots and AM type could not be determined. Of the 40 AM fungal taxa belonging to five genera isolated from rooting-zone soils, 32 belonged to Glomus, five to Acaulospora, one to Archaeospora, one to Entrophospora, and one to Gigaspora. Acaulospora and Glomus were the dominant genera and Glomus versiforme was the most common species. The average AM spore density was 213 per 100 g air-dried soil and the average species richness was 3.7 AM species per soil sample. There was no correlation between spore density and percentage root length colonized by AM fungi.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in non-grazed,restored and over-grazed grassland in the Inner Mongolia steppe

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal diversity was investigated in non-grazed, restored and over-grazed (fenced) plots of a grassland in the Inner Mongolia steppe. Plant cover and variety differ between the plots, being highest in the non-grazed to lowest in the over-grazed plots. A total of 19 AM fungal taxa belonging to six genera were found based on spores isolated from field samples and trap cultures. One belonged to Acaulospora, one to Archaeospora, one to Entrophospora, one to Gigaspora, 12 to Glomus and three to Scutellospora. Glomus was the dominant genus in all plots, and Glomus geosporum was the dominant species, whilst G. albidum and G. etunicatum were dominant in the restored plot. Scutellospora was the second dominant genus in the non-grazed plot with Scutellospora calospora being the dominant species. The mean spore density and mean species richness of AM fungi were significantly decreased by long-term over-grazing. The Sorenson’s similarity coefficients of AM fungal community composition ranged from 0.5 to 0.64 among the three types of plot management. The results suggest that the AM fungal diversity is greatly affected by long-term over-grazing and that fencing of degraded areas partly restores plant cover and AM fungal diversity in grassland ecosystems.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with sedges on the Tibetan plateau

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) status of nine dominant sedge species and the diversity of AM fungi in Tibetan grassland were surveyed in the autumn of 2003 and 2004. Most of the sedge species and ecotypes examined were mycorrhizal, but Carex moorcroftii and Kobresia pusilla were of doubtful AM status, and Kobresia humilis was facultatively mycorrhizal. This is the first report of the mycorrhizal status of eight of the nine sedge species examined. Intraradical vesicles and aseptate hyphae were the structures most frequently observed. Appressoria, coils, and arbuscules were found in the roots of a few sedge species. A strong negative correlation was found between soil organic matter content and the extent of mycorrhizal colonization. Using trap cultures, 26 species of AM fungi belonging to six genera, Glomus, Acaulospora, Paraglomus, Archaeospora, Pacispora, and Scutellospora, were isolated from the soil samples collected. The frequency of occurrence of different taxa of AM fungi varied greatly. Glomus and Acaulospora were the dominant genera, and Acaulospora scrobiculata was the most frequent and abundant species. The species richness of AM fungi was 2.73 in the study area. Species richness and diversity index differed among the sedge species but were not correlated with soil factors such as pH, available P, or organic matter content.     

Interactions between Lotus japonicus genotypes and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Abstract

Interactions between three genotypes (Ljsym 71-1, Ljsym 71-2 and Ljsym 72) of Lotus japoicus and one isolate from each of four species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus sp. R-10, Glomus intraradices, Glomus etunicatum, and Gigaspora margarita) were investigated and compared with the wild-type ‘Gifu’ B-129. All the three genotypes showed no or defective internal colonization after inoculation with these AM fungi. In Ljsym72 mutant, the AM fungi produced deformed appressoria on the root surface, but failed to form any internal structures (internal hyphae, arbuscules and vesicles) except only in Glomus intraradices. The Ljsym71-1 and Ljsym71-2 mutants had more deformed appressoria and occasionally formed internal hyphae, arbuscules and vesicles, depending on AM fungi used. Wild-type ‘Gifu’ (nod⁺myc⁺) plants had typical colonization. The colonization of mutants by several fungi varied and provides a basis for studying recognition and compatibility between plants and mycorrhizal fungal species. These mutants also will be useful in studies of the genetics of the symbiosis between plant species and AM fungi.     

A preliminary survey of the arbuscular mycorrhizal status of grassland plants in southern Tibet

We report for the first time the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) status of native plant species and AM fungal diversity in the grasslands of southern Tibet. A total of 51 soil samples were collected from the rhizospheres of the dominant plant species, and AM fungal structures were observed in 18 (82%) of 22 plant species examined. Vesicles and aseptate hyphae were the structures most frequently observed in the plant roots. After trap culture for 5 months, 25 AM fungal taxa were identified in the soil samples collected, of which nine belonged to Glomus, ten to Acaulospora, one to Entrophospora and five to Scutellospora. The frequency of occurrence of different genera and species varied greatly. Glomus was the dominant genus, and the most frequent and abundant species was Glomus mosseae. Over the whole sampling area, spore density in the rhizosphere soil of different host plant species ranged from 2 to 66 per 20 g air-dried soil. Overall AM fungal species richness was 2.10 and species diversity was 2.35. AM fungal diversity was also compared among the four different land use types (farmland and normal, disturbed and highly disturbed montane scrub grassland). Spore densities in the farmland and normal grassland were much higher than in the grasslands that had been degraded to varying degrees. The species richness in normal grassland was the highest of the four land use types examined. Species diversity varied from 1.99 to 0.94 and was highest in normal grassland, intermediate in degraded grassland and farmland, and lowest in the highly disturbed grassland.     

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。     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal status of wild plants in saline-alkaline soils of the Yellow River Delta

A survey was made of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) status of five dominant wild plants Tamarix chinensis, Phragmites communis, Suaeda glauca, Aeluropus littoralis var. sinensis and Cirsium setosum in saline-alkaline soils of the Yellow River Delta that show low plant diversity. All of the species were colonized and showed typical AM structures (arbuscules, vesicles). The colonization percentage ranged from 0.2% to 9.5%, where C. setosum was the highest. The species richness of AMF at the different sites ranged from 2.00 to 2.40 per 50 ml soil, with an average of 2.16. Species diversity ranged from 1.99 to 2.22 per 50 ml soil, with an average of 2.13. Spore density ranged from 3 to 30 per 50 ml soil, with an average of 12. Glomus was the dominant genus, with a frequency and relative abundance of 88.1% and 68.4%, respectively. G. caledonium, with a frequency and relative abundance of 15.0% and 4.6%, respectively, was the dominant species. Differences were also observed in the distribution of AMF in different soil layers. Although there were still AM fungal spores in the layer 40 cm below the surface, most spores were found at a depth of 0–40 cm.     

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.     

Occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in bromeliad species from the tropical Atlantic forest biome in Brazil

The mycorrhizal status of epiphytic, rupicolous, and terrestrial bromeliad species from the Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest has been examined. Roots of 13 species of bromeliads were analyzed for the presence of mycorrhizal structures such as arbuscules, hyphae, and vesicles as well as other fungal structures. Rhizosphere soil was sampled to identify arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) species associated only with terrestrial bromeliad species. Most specimens collected were epiphytic bromeliads in the genera Aechmea, Bilbergia, Nidularium, Tillandsia, and Vriesea. Differentiating structures of AMF were found in only three species of bromeliads. The pattern of mycorrhizal colonization was mainly internal, and external mycelium and arbuscules were observed only in the terrestrial Nidularium procerum. Root endophytes with dark brown septate mycelium, thin external hyphae, and Rhizoctonia-like sclerotia were also detected in some root segments. A total of ten spore morphotypes were recovered from the rhizosphere of N. procerum, with Acaulospora mellea, A. foveata, and Glomus sp. being the most common species recovered. Our study demonstrated that most of the epiphytic species are not associated with AMF. We attribute this mainly to the exposed bare root conditions found in epiphytic bromeliads.     

高磷土壤中丛枝菌根真菌的分离鉴定

【背景】丛枝菌根(arbuscular mycorrhiza,AM)真菌具有广泛的寄主范围、环境适应性和优良的植物促生能力。然而,土壤的高磷水平严重抑制了AM真菌生长及AM形成。【目的】分离鉴定出耐较高有效磷含量的华南土著AM真菌菌株,为菌根学研究工作提供新颖材料。【方法】采用经典形态学和分子系统学方法鉴定高磷土壤中AM真菌。【结果】从有效磷含量为53-131 (平均值±标准差为88.2±17.6) mg/kg的根区土壤中鉴定出7属25种AM真菌,包括无梗囊霉属(Acaulospora) 12种、球囊霉属(Glomus) 7种、隔球囊霉属(Septoglomus) 2种、近明球囊霉属(Claroideoglomus) 1种、根孢囊霉属(Rhizophagus) 1种、硬囊霉属(Sclerocystis) 1种和类球囊霉属(Paraglomus) 1种,其中幼套近明球囊霉(Claroideoglomus etunicatum)和蜜色无梗囊霉(Acaulospora mellea)是优势种。在(87.7±8.0) mg/kg的高磷水平下,AM真菌仍能形成丛枝和泡囊。但当有效磷含量达到(99.7±1.2) mg/kg时,菌根侵染率和丛枝丰度显著下降,但仍能够形成泡囊。【结论】从广州市南沙区有效磷含量为(88.2±17.6) mg/kg的耕地植物根区土壤中,鉴定出具有耐高磷潜力的7属25种AM真菌,幼套近明球囊霉和蜜色无梗囊霉等分离株可作为后续高磷抑制机制解析及耐高磷AM真菌菌剂研发工作的试验菌株。     

Occurrence and distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species in three types of grassland community of the Tibetan Plateau

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal spore communities and distribution patterns were surveyed in montane scrub grassland, alpine steppe, and alpine meadow sites at altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 5,200 m a.s.l. on the Tibetan Plateau. Thirty-two representative soil samples were collected from the root zone of the dominant and common plant species in late May 2004. Twenty-three AM fungal species representing six genera (Acaulospora, Entrophospora, Glomus, Pacispora, Paraglomus, and Scutellospora) were detected and species richness varied from 5.3 ± 0.8 to 10.5 ± 2.5 per site. Some AM fungal species were restricted to one vegetation type and Glomus mosseae, Glomus intraradices, and Scutellospora calospora were detected in all three vegetation types. Glomus species were found to be the most frequent and abundant in all three vegetation types. Acaulospora occurred mostly in the alpine steppe and alpine meadow. Scutellospora occurred mostly in montane scrub grassland. At the species level, Glomus mosseae was dominant in the montane scrub, Acaulospora laevis and Pacispora scintillans were dominant in the alpine steppe, and Acaulospora laevis, Pacispora scintillans, and Glomus claroideum dominated the alpine meadow. It was evident from the distribution pattern of AM fungi in the different vegetation types that the abundance and diversity of AM fungal species were lowest in the montane scrub grassland than the other two plant communities. Climatic conditions, especially temperatures, and intensity of land use may be the most important factors influencing the AM fungal community.     

Colonization Characteristics and Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Rhizosphere of <i>Iris lactea</i> in Songnen Saline-alkaline Grassland

To understand arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi resources and develop AM fungal species in ornamental plants with saline-alkaline tolerances, Iris lactea, which grows in the Songnen saline-alkaline grassland with a high ornamental value, was selected as the experimental material, and the colonization characteristics of its roots and the AM fungal diversity in its rhizosphere were explored. The results of the observations and calculations of mycorrhizae from ten different samples showed that AM fungi colonized the roots of I. lactea and formed Arum-type mycorrhizal structures. There was a significant correlation between soil spore density and pH value, while the colonization rate showed a fluctuating trend with increasing pH values. The observed colonization intensities were of Levels II (1%–10%) or III (11%–50%), and the vesicle abundances were of grades A₂ or A₃ among different sites. AM fungi produced a large number of mycelia and vesicles in the roots of I. lactea after colonization. Thirty-seven species belonging to 15 genera of AM fungi were isolated from the rhizosphere of I. lactea and identified by morphological identification. Funneliformis and Glomus were the dominant genera, accounting for 21.79% and 20.85% of the total number, respectively. F. mosseae and Rhizophagus intraradices were isolated in all samples with importance values of 58.62 and 51.19, respectively. These results are expected to provide a theoretical basis for the analysis of the salt tolerance mechanism of I. lactea and for the discovery, exploration and further screening of AM fungal resources with salinity tolerances in saline-alkaline soils.     

蒙古沙冬青及其伴生植物AM真菌物种多样性

于2015年7月在内蒙古乌海、磴口2个样地选取蒙古沙冬青(Ammopiptanthus mongolicus)及其伴生植物为研究对象,分别采集0-20 cm和20-40 cm土层根围土样,利用高通量测序方法分析了不同植物AM真菌群落结构和物种多样性,发掘新物种,为补充和完善AM真菌分类体系提供依据。试验共分离鉴定3纲5目6科9属89个AM真菌OTU,属包括Glomus,Funneliformis,Diversispora,Claroideoglomus,Rhizophagus,Septoglomus,Scutellospora,Ambispora和Paraglomus。与形态学研究结果相比,高通量鉴定结果在属水平上更丰富。同一土层不同样地,蒙古沙冬青AM真菌丰度和多样性指数高于伴生植物;同一土层不同植物,AM真菌丰度和多样性指数表现为磴口高于乌海;同一植物不同样地,AM真菌ACE指数和Chao1指数20-40 cm土层高于0-20 cm土层,Simpson指数和Shannon指数0-20 cm土层高于20-40 cm土层。RDA分析表明,AM真菌ACE指数和Chao1指数与土壤碱解N显著正相关,与酸性磷酸酶显著负相关;Simpson指数和Shannon指数与碱性磷酸酶显著正相关,与pH显著负相关。结果表明,蒙古沙冬青AM真菌物种多样性高于伴生植物,同一样地,寄主植物与土壤深度共同作用对AM真菌群落组成有显著影响。     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community structure and diversity in response to long-term fertilization: a field case from China

The influences of different fertilizer treatments on spore community structure and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (AMF) were investigated in a long-term fertilization experiment with seven treatments: organic manure (OM), half organic manure N plus half fertilizer N (1/2 OMN), fertilizer NPK, fertilizer NP, fertilizer NK, fertilizer PK, and the control (without fertilization). Fertilization generally increased the nutrient contained in the fertilizer and treatments with NPK and 1/2 OMN produced the highest crop yields. Thirty-five species of AMF within 6 genera, including 8 previously undescribed species, were recovered. Similarly in all seven treatments, the most abundant genus was Glomus, and followed by Acaulospora. All the fertilization treatments changed AM species composition, and NK treatment had the slightest influence. Fertilization with fertilizers NP, PK and NPK markedly increased AM fungal spore density, while 1/2 OMN, OM and NK treatments showed no significant influences. All the fertilizer treatments, especially OM, significantly decreased species richness and species diversity (Shannon-Weiner index). There were no significant correlations between AM fungal parameters (spore density, species richness and species diversity) and soil properties. The findings indicate that long-term fertilization all can change AM fungal community structure and decrease species diversity, while balanced fertilization with NPK or 1/2 OMN is the most suitable fertilization regime if taking both crop yields and AM species diversity into account.     

Seasonal variation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in temperate grasslands along a wide hydrologic gradient

We studied seasonal variation in population attributes of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi over 2 years in four sites of temperate grasslands of the Argentinean Flooding Pampas. The sites represent a wide range of soil conditions, hydrologic gradients, and floristic composition. Lotus glaber, a perennial herbaceous legume naturalised in the Flooding Pampas, was dominant at the four plant community sites. Its roots were highly colonised by AM fungi. Temporal variations in spore density, spore type, AM root colonisation, floristic composition and soil chemical characteristics occurred in each site and were different among sites. The duration of flooding had no effect on spore density but depressed AM root colonisation. Eleven different types of spores were recognized and four were identified. Two species dominated at the four sites: Glomus fasciculatum and Glomus intraradices. Spore density was highest in summer (dry season) and lowest in winter (wet season) with intermediate values in autumn and spring. Colonisation of L. glaber roots was highest in summer or spring and lowest in winter or autumn. The relative density of G. fasciculatum and G. intraradices versus Glomus sp. and Acaulospora sp. had distinctive seasonal peaks. These seasonal peaks occurred at all four sites, suggesting differences among AM fungus species with respect to the seasonality of sporulation. Spore density and AM root colonisation when measured at any one time were poorly related to each other. However, spore density was significantly correlated with root colonisation 3 months before, suggesting that high colonisation in one season precedes high sporulation in the next season.     

Trade-offs between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal competitive ability and host growth promotion in Plantago lanceolata

In this study we tested for trade-offs between the benefit arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi provide for hosts and their competitive ability in host roots, and whether this potential trade-off shifts in the presence of a plant stress (herbivory). We used three species of AM fungi previously determined to vary in host growth promotion and spore production in association with host plants. We found that these AM fungal species competed for root space, and the best competitor, Scutellospora calospora, was the worst mutualist. In addition, the worst competitor, Glomus white, was the best mutualist. Competition proved to have stronger effects on fungal infection patterns than herbivory, and competitive dominance was not altered by herbivory. We found a similar pattern in a previous test of competition among AM fungi, and we discuss the implications of these results for the persistence of the mutualism and feedbacks between AM fungi and their plant hosts.     

Arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal colonization of two <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus</Emphasis> species in semiarid Brazil

Our goal was to evaluate the mycorrhizal colonization, as well as the density of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal spores, in Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. grandis monocultures at 2 years in a semiarid part of Brazil. Soil and root samples were collected in 2 consecutive years. Eucalyptus camaldulensis showed varied AM colonization level according to season of sampling, and Glomus was dominant in spore numbers. Eucalyptus grandis showed dominant ectomycorrhizal (ECM) colonization and lower AM fungal spore density. Overall results suggest that E. camaldulensis has both AM and ECM dependencies, whereas E. grandis is solely ECM dependent in the monocultures.