Seasonality of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae in sedges in a semi-arid tropical grassland

Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) colonization and spore numbers in the rhizosphere of Cyperus iria L. and C. rotundus L., growing in a semi-arid tropical grassland, was studied during the 1993 and 1994 monsoons. In addition, climatic and chemical properties of the soils were determined in order to investigate their influence on mycorrhizal variables. VAM fungal association in the sedges was confirmed by plant- and root-trap culture techniques. The soil nutrients exhibited seasonal variations, but were highly variable between years. Intercellular hyphae and vesicles with occasional intraradical spores characterized mycorrhizal association in sedges. Dark septate fungi also colonized roots of sedges. Temporal variations in mycorrhizal colonization and spore numbers occurred, indicating seasonality. However, the patterns of mycorrhizal colonization and spore numbers were different during both the years. The VAM fungal structures observed were intercellular hyphae and vesicles. Changes in the proportion of root length with VAM structures, total colonization levels and spore numbers were related to climatic and edaphic factors. However, the intensity of influence of climatic and soil factors on VAM tended to vary with sedge species.     

Communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria in the rhizosphere of Caragana korshinkii and Hippophae rhamnoides in Zhifanggou watershed

The process of ecological restoration and reconstruction in Zhifanggou watershed forms a special ecosystem on the Loess Plateau. Little is known about the communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and bacteria in this ecosystem. The aim of this study was to analyze the communities of AMF and bacteria, and their relationship in the rhizosphere of Caragana korshinkii and Hippophae rhamnoides in Zhifanggou watershed. Soil samples were collected from Zhifanggou watershed. The communities of AMF and bacteria were analyzed by using nested PCR of rDNA fragments and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Diversity analysis revealed that the bacterial Shannon diversity index was higher than that of AMF, and the AMF and bacterial Shannon diversity index in the rhizosphere of H. rhamnoides was higher than that of C. korshinkii. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that host plant had a significant influence on the bacterial community structure, but no strict specificity with AMF. Correlation analysis showed that the AMF communities had a significant positive correlation with the bacterial communities, and that indicated a significant effect of AMF on bacteria.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal dynamics in a chronosequence of Caragana korshinskii plantations

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in a chronosequence of 5–42-year-old Caragana korshinskii plantations in the semi-arid Loess Plateau region of northwestern China were investigated. AM fungi colonization, spore diversity and PCR-denatured gradient gel electrophoresis-based AM fungal SSU rRNA gene sequences were analyzed. AM fungi colonization [measured as the percent of root length (%RLC), vesicular (%VC) and arbuscular (%AC) colonization] and spore density were significantly correlated with sampling month, but not with plant age, except for %RLC. The percent of vesicular colonization was negatively correlated with soil total nitrogen and organic carbon, and spore density was negatively correlated with soil moisture and available phosphorus. Ten distinguishable AM fungal spore morphotypes, nine Glomus and one Scutellospora species, were found. Nine AM fungal Glomus phylotypes were identified by sequencing, but at each sampling time only four to six AM fungal phylotypes were detected. The AM fungal community was significantly seasonal, whereas the AM fungal species richness did not increase with plantation age. A significant change in AM fungal colonization and community composition over an annual cycle was observed in this study, and our results suggest that the changes of AM are the product of the interaction between host phenology, soil characteristics and habitat. Understanding these interactions is essential if habitat restoration is to be effective.     

Diversity of Rhizosphere Soil Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Various Soybean Cultivars under Different Continuous Cropping Regimes

Recent studies have shown that continuous cropping in soybean causes substantial changes to the microbial community in rhizosphere soil. In this study, we investigated the effects of continuous cropping for various time periods on the diversity of rhizosphere soil arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in various soybean cultivars at the branching stage. The soybean cultivars Heinong 37 (an intermediate cultivar), Heinong 44 (a high-fat cultivar) and Heinong 48 (a high-protein cultivar) were seeded in a field and continuously cropped for two or three years. We analyzed the diversity of rhizosphere soil AM fungi of these soybean plants at the branching stage using morphological and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) techniques. The clustering analysis of unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) was then used to investigate the AM fungal community shifts. The results showed that increasing the number of years of continuous cropping can improve the colonization rate of AM fungi in different soybean cultivars at the branching stage. The dominant AM fungi in the experimental fields were Funneliformismosseae and Glomus spp. The number of years of continuous cropping and the soybean cultivar both had obvious effects on the diversity of AM fungi, which was consistent with the results of colonization rate analysis. This study establishes a basis for screening dominant AM fungi of soybean. In addition, the results of this study may be useful for the development of AM fungal inoculants.     

Effect of edaphic factors and seasonal variation on spore density and root colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in sugarcane fields

Sugarcane fields in 14 different study sites were analyzed for the presence of different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) spores. A total of 23 AMF species representing four genera were identified, among which Glomus fasciculatum and G. mosseae were the dominant species. The mean spore density in the root-zone soils of sugarcane plants varied from 119 to 583 per 100 g of soil, and the mean percentage root colonization varied from 60 to 89 %. A study of the effect of edaphic factors on AM spore density and percentage root colonization revealed a positive correlation between pH and AMF spore density and root colonization and a negative correlation between electrical conductivity, nitrogen, and phosphorus. A positive correlation was observed between AMF spore density and root colonization. Season was also found to play a vital role in determining AMF spore density and percentage root colonization, with high spore density and root colonization observed during the summer season and lower spore densities and root colonization during the winter season.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizas in cycads of southern India

Root and soil samples of three potted or ground-grown cycads ( Cycas circinalis, C. revoluta, Zamiasp.) were collected between November 1999 and June 2000 and surveyed for arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization and spore populations. AM fungi were associated with all root systems and rhizosphere samples examined. Root colonization was of a typical Arum type and AM colonization levels differed significantly between species and between potted and ground-grown cycads. Mycorrhizal colonization levels were inversely related to root hair number and length. Spores of nine morphotypes belonging to three genera ( Acaulospora, Glomus, Scutellospora) were extracted from soil. The percentage root length colonized by AM fungi was not related to soil factors, but total AM fungal spore numbers in the rhizosphere soil were inversely related to soil nitrogen and phosphorus levels. AM fungal spore numbers in the soil were linearly related to root length colonized. The co-occurrence of septate non-mycorrhizal fungi was recorded for the first time in cycads. These observations and the relationship between plant mycorrhizal status and soil nutrients are discussed.     

AM Fungal Diversity in Selected Medicinal Plants of Kanyakumari District,Tamil Nadu,India

The association of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) with three medicinally important plants viz., Eclipta prostrata, Indigofera aspalathoides, I. tinctoria collected from three different localities of Kanyakumari District, South India was examined. The study reports the colonization percentage, diversity and species richness of different AM fungi in the rhizosphere of the three medicinal plants and discusses the impact of soil physicochemical characteristics such as soil texture, pH and available macro- and micro nutrient content on AM fungal communities. A total 21 AM fungal species were identified in field conditions of the three plants from three sites. AM fungal species richness, colorization percentage and Shannon index were found to be high in the two Indigofera sp. growing in the hilly areas of Kanyakumari District and were low in E. prostrata collected from the damp regions in the foothills of the three study sites. Five species registered 100% frequency in all the study sites of the three medicinally important plants with Glomus as the dominant genera. The study states that the mean colonization and diversity patterns were dependant on edaphic factors and type of vegetation.     

Neighborhood effects on soil properties,mycorrhizal attributes,tree growth,and nutrient status in afforested zones

A harmonious interspecies relationship is the key to the success of mixed afforestation. This study was conducted to assess the responses of afforestation species to their neighboring trees. We examined five types of stands—monocultures of Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), sea‐buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), and two mixtures (Chinese pine × black locust mixture and Chinese pine × sea‐buckthorn mixture)—in the Loess Plateau, northwestern China. The height and diameter at breast height of each tree species were measured, and rhizosphere soil, shoot, and root were sampled. In monocultures, black locust was taller than Chinese pine and sea‐buckthorn, while the height of Chinese pine and sea‐buckthorn was similar. In mixtures, Chinese pine grew better with sea‐buckthorn than alone as a result of modified soil properties and plant nutrition, but not with black locust. When Chinese pine was used as neighbors, it affected the level of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization of black locust, soil properties and AM fungal spore density of black locust and sea‐buckthorn, but did not significantly affect their growth. Our results suggest that the reciprocal effects between tree species in mixture are not symmetric, and thus planning for efficient mixed afforestation requires knowledge of species‐specific growth rate, nutrient requirements, and species interactions.     

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.     

北方两省农牧交错带沙棘根围AM真菌与球囊霉素空间分布

2009年7月在内蒙古和河北两省农牧交错带沙棘(Hippophae rhamnoides L)集中分布区选取3个典型样地,分别从0-10cm、10-20cm、20-30cm、30-40cm和40-50cm土层采集沙棘根围土壤样品,研究了沙棘根围AM真菌与球囊霉素空间分布及与土壤因子的相关性。结果表明,沙棘能与AM真菌形成良好的疆南星型(Arum-type)丛枝菌根。AM真菌定殖率和孢子密度与样地生态条件密切相关。大梁底村和多伦东样地AM真菌不同结构定殖率及孢子密度无明显差别,但均显著高于黄柳条村样地,只在大梁底村发现丛枝定殖;孢子密度在3个样地均随土层加深而降低,不同结构定殖率在大梁底村随土层加深而降低,其他2个样地无明显变化规律;AM真菌最高定殖率和最大孢子密度均出现在0-30cm浅土层。根围土壤总球囊霉素(TEG)和易提取球囊霉素(EEG)含量在3个样地均随土层加深而降低。相关性分析表明,孢子密度与菌丝定殖率、泡囊定殖率和总定殖率极显著正相关。AM真菌菌丝、泡囊和总定殖率与土壤pH值、有机C、碱解N和速效P含量、脲酶和碱性磷酸酶活性极显著正相关,丛枝定殖率与土壤碱解N含量和脲酶活性显著正相关。多元线性回归方程表明,AM真菌不同定殖结构和土壤因子对TEG和EEG含量贡献不同,对于TEG:菌丝>孢子>泡囊;有机C>速效P>酸性磷酸酶>pH值,对于EEG:泡囊>孢子>菌丝;有机C>速效P。结果建议,AM真菌孢子密度、菌丝定殖程度和土壤球囊霉素含量在一定程度上能综合反应土壤AM真菌群落、有机C动态和养分循环进程,可以作为土壤质量及功能评价的新指标进一步深入研究。     

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.     

General microflora,arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and occurrence of endophytes in the rhizosphere of two age groups of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ginkgo biloba</Emphasis> L.of Indian Central Himalaya

The populations of the general microflora (bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi) in the rhizosphere and their corresponding non-rhizosphere soil samples of Ginkgo biloba L. of two age groups (Group A, <25 years-young trees; Group B, >60 years-old trees) growing under a temperate location of Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) have been determined. Observations were also made for the diversity, distribution and colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and occurrence of endophytes in roots of G. biloba. The population of general microflora was found to be higher in the rhizosphere of Group B trees, more clearly reflected in terms of rhizosphere: soil (R:S) ratios. Contrary to this, per cent colonization and spore densities of AM fungi were higher in the rhizosphere of Group A trees as compared to the rhizosphere of Group B. AM fungal colonization was observed mostly in form of loose coils. All the spores detected, belonged to the genus Glomus with five different types. Presence of endophytes (both bacteria and fungi) was observed in the cortical cells of G. biloba roots, more profound in case of Group B trees. Data suggest that, while the species of Glomus dominated the rhizosphere of G. biloba, an inverse correlation exist between the colonization of general microflora and the colonization of AM fungi including endophytes.     

不同品种牡丹对丛枝菌根真菌群落结构的影响

对山东菏泽赵楼牡丹园栽培的不同品种牡丹(Paeonia suffruticosa)根围丛枝菌根(ar-buscular mycorrhiza,AM)真菌孢子密度、种属构成、种丰度、分布频度、物种多样性指数及其物种组成相似性等进行了研究.结果表明:不同品种牡丹根围AM真菌的种属构成、种丰度和分布频度等均不相同,其中,从‘凤丹'和‘赵粉'根围中各分离到10种AM真菌,从‘乌龙捧盛'和‘洛阳红'根围中分离到9种,从‘胡红'根围中分离到8种;‘凤丹'根围AM真菌孢子密度最高,为59个·50 g-1土,‘胡红'最低,为47个·(50 g)-1土;‘赵粉'的物种多样性指数最高(1.89),‘胡红'最低(1.71).‘凤丹'和‘胡红'的菌根侵染率最高,为63.6%,‘乌龙捧盛'最低,为52.7%.不同牡丹品种之间AM真菌种类组成的相似性系数在0.71～0.95,其中‘乌龙捧盛'和‘凤丹'的相似性系数最高(0.95),而‘胡红'与‘洛阳红'的相似性系数最低(0.71).牡丹基因型能改变AM真菌群落结构特征.     

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.     

山西历山珍稀药用植物AM真菌资源与土壤因子的关系

以山西历山自然保护区暴马丁香、连香树、南方红豆杉和领春木4种珍稀药用植物为材料,研究其根际土壤中丛枝菌根真菌(AMF)的菌根结构类型和种属分布,同时分析土壤因子与其侵染率和孢子密度的关系。结果表明:(1)暴马丁香菌根类型为中间型(I-型),连香树和领春木为重楼型(P-型),南方红豆杉为疆南星型(A-型);4种植物根际共鉴定AMF 27种,分别隶属于球囊霉属(Glomus)、无梗囊霉属(Acaulospora)、盾巨孢囊霉属(Scutellos-pora)、多孢囊霉属(Diversispora)和原囊霉属(Archaeospora)5属,其中Glomus为优势属。(2)pH与暴马丁香和领春木的侵染率和孢子密度呈正相关,但与连香树和南方红豆杉呈负相关;速效磷与暴马丁香、南方红豆杉和领春木的侵染率和孢子密度呈正相关,但与连香树呈负相关;碱解氮、有机质与暴马丁香、连香树和领春木的侵染率和孢子密度呈正相关,但与南方红豆杉呈负相关。(3)4种药用植物的菌根侵染率主要受其根际土壤碱解氮的影响,而根际AMF孢子密度主要受根际土壤pH制约。可见,历山自然保护区内AMF资源丰富,多样性程度也较高;宿主植物不同,土壤因子对其侵染率和孢子密度的影响也不同。     

Temporal and spatial variation of arbuscular mycorrhizas in salt marsh plants of the Tagus estuary (Portugal)

The factors which may influence temporal and spatial variation in plant arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization and propagule occurrence were evaluated in a Portuguese salt marsh poor in plant diversity. Two distinct sites were studied: a more-flooded (low marsh) and a less-flooded zone (high marsh). AM root colonization, AM fungal spore number and inoculum potential, soil edaphic parameters and tidal flooding time periods were analysed. Levels of AM colonization were considerable in Aster tripolium and Inula crithmoides but very low in Puccinellia maritima and non-existent in Spartina maritima, Halimione portulacoides, Arthrocnemum fruticosum and Arthrocnemum perenne. Fungal diversity was very low, with Glomus geosporum dominant at both marsh zones. Colonization showed no spatial variation within marsh zones but temporal variation was observed in the high marsh, dependent on plant phenological phases. In the low marsh, no significantly seasonal variation was observed. Apparently, plant phenological events were diluted by stressful conditions (e.g. flooding, salinity). Spore density was significantly different between marsh zones and showed temporal variation in both zones. This study showed that distribution of mycorrhizas in salt marsh is more dependent on host plant species than on environmental stresses.     

Influence of edaphic and climatic factors on dynamics of root colonization and spore density of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Acacia farnesiana Willd. and A. planifrons W.et.A.

 A study was conducted to assess the dynamics of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi associated with Acacia farnesiana and A. planifrons in moderately fertile alkaline soils. The intensity of root colonization by VAM fungi and the distribution of VAM fungal structures varied with host species over a period of time. The occurrence of vesicles with varied morphology in the mycorrhizal roots indicates infection by different VAM fungal species. This was further confirmed from the presence of spores belonging to different VAM fungal species in the rhizosphere soils. Root colonization and spore number ranged from 56% – 72% and 5 – 14 g^{–  1}soil in A. farnesiana and from 60% – 73% and 5 – 15 g^{–  1} soil in A. planifrons. Per cent root colonization and VAM spore number in the rhizosphere soil were inversely related to each other in both the Acacia species. However, patterns of the occurrence of VAM fungal structures were erratic. Spores of Acaulospora foveata, Gigaspora albida, Glomus fasciculatum, G. geosporum and Sclerocystis sinuosa were isolated from the rhizosphere of A. farnesiana whereas A. scrobiculata, G. pustulatum, G. fasciculatum, G. geosporum and G. microcarpum were isolated from that of A. planifrons. The response of VAM status to fluctuating edaphic factors varied with host species. In A. farnesiana though soil nitrogen (N) was positively correlated with root colonization, soil moisture, potassium and air temperature were negatively correlated to both root colonization and spore number. Per cent root colonization and spore number in A. planifrons were negatively related to each other. Further, in A. planifrons as the soil phosphorus and N were negatively correlated with the density of VAM fungal spores, the same edaphic factors along with soil moisture negatively influenced root colonization. Received: 16 May 1995 / Accepted: 7 February 1996     

Rapid change of AM fungal community in a rain-fed wheat field with short-term plastic film mulching practice

Plastic film mulching (PFM) is a widely used agricultural practice in the temperate semi-arid Loess Plateau of China. However, how beneficial soil microbes, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in particular, respond to the PFM practice is not known. Here, a field experiment was performed to study the effects of a 3-month short-term PFM practice on AM fungi in plots planted with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Dingxi-2) in the Loess Plateau. AM colonization, spore density, wheat spike weight, and grain phosphorus (P) content were significantly increased in the PFM treatments, and these changes were mainly attributable to changes in soil properties such as available P and soil moisture. Alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher in PFM soils, but levels of AM fungal-related glomalin were similar between treatments. A total of nine AM fungal phylotypes were detected in root samples based on AM fungal SSU rDNA analyses, with six and five phylotypes in PFM and no-PFM plots, respectively. Although AM fungal phylotype richness was not statistically different between treatments, the community compositions were different, with four and three specific phylotypes in the PFM and no-PFM plots, respectively. A significant and rapid change in AM fungal, wheat, and soil variables following PFM suggested that the functioning of the AM symbiosis had been changed in the wheat field under PFM. Future studies are needed to investigate whether PFM applied over a longer term has a similar effect on the AM fungal community and their functioning in an agricultural ecosystem.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal abundance in elevation belts of the hyperarid Atacama Desert

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi affect ecosystem processes improving plant tolerance in (hyper)arid/saline environments. However, there are no previous studies on the presence of AM fungi in the Atacama Desert (Northern Chile), the driest desert in the world. Here, we studied the root and rhizosphere in 111 samples of representative plants from three elevation gradients: (i) hyperarid desert (700–2000 m a.s.l.), (ii) pre-Puna (2000–3100 m a.s.l.) and (iii) Puna (3100–4500 m a.s.l.) elevation belts. Soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter, cations and the AM colonization and fungal structures were determined. All plants showed colonization and fungal structures. Root colonization ranged from 3.5 to 87%, hyphae showed densities from 0.13 to 204 m g⁻¹, and spore densities between 20 and 45,500 per 100 g of soil. The highest fungal structure abundances were found in Prosopis tamarugo, Baccharis scandens, Werneria pinnatifida, Deyeuxia curvula and Festuca deserticola rhizospheres. In general, EC and cations showed strong relationship with fungal structure abundance. Here, we reported for the first time the widespread presence of AM symbiosis in all the elevation belts of the Atacama Desert, constituting a first step to understand the ecological role that AM fungi play under extreme aridity and salinity conditions.     

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。