毛乌素沙地克隆植物生长对AM真菌多样性和菌根形成的影响

克隆植物的生态功能在沙地植被恢复过程中占据着重要位置。在毛乌素沙地由北向南选择两个典型样地,以根茎克隆植物沙鞭和羊柴为试验材料,连续2a系统地研究了克隆植物生长对AM真菌物种多样性和菌根形成的影响。结果表明:克隆植物生长对AM真菌物种多样性和丛枝菌根形成的影响因植物种类和样地不同而异。沙鞭通过克隆生长侵入灌丛空地后,AM真菌多样性指数在中国科学院植物研究所鄂尔多斯沙地草地生态研究站(简称OSES)和陕西榆林珍稀沙生植物保护基地(简称RSCF)样地均上升;孢子密度、菌丝、丛枝和总定殖率均显著提高;泡囊定殖率也有所增加,在OSES样地达显著水平,在RSCF样地未达显著水平。羊柴通过克隆生长侵入灌丛空地后,AM(Arbuscular mycorrhizal)真菌多样性指数在OSES样地上升,而在RSCF样地下降;孢子密度和丛枝定殖率在OSES和RSCF样地均显著增加,而泡囊定殖率均显著降低;菌丝和总定殖率也降低,在OSES样地未达显著水平,在RSCF样地达显著水平。     

Seasonality of root fungal colonization in low-alpine herbs

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungal colonization of Alchemilla glomerulans, Carex vaginata, Ranunculus acris ssp. pumilus and Trollius europaeus growing in low-alpine meadows in the Finnish subarctic were studied at different times during the growing season. Fungal colonization was correlated to soil soluble phosphorus (P) concentration. The influence of flower bud removal on fungal colonization was investigated in A. glomerulans, C. vaginata and R. acris and the correlation between AM and DSE colonization was studied. The fungal colonization patterns were found to be species-specific. R. acris maintained a relatively high rate of fungal colonization throughout the summer, while the rates of colonization of T. europaeus were lower and decreased towards the end of the season. A. glomerulans had constant arbuscular and vesicular colonization throughout the summer, but hyphal and DSE colonization declined towards the end of the season. C. vaginata did not form arbuscular mycorrhiza, but was colonized by DSE fungi and hyaline septate hyphae throughout the season. The soil soluble P concentration showed some seasonal variation, but was also highly variable between the study sites. Bud removal decreased arbuscular colonization of R. acris, but no unique effects were seen in any other parameters or the other species studied. The root fungal parameters correlated with soil P in some species at some sites, but no consistent trend was found. DSE colonization was positively correlated with root vesicular and hyphal colonization in some cases. The differences in fungal colonization parameters may be related to species-specific phenologies.     

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.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi benefit from 7 years of free air CO2 enrichment in well-fertilized grass and legume monocultures

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO₂) and nitrogen (N) deposition are important components of global environmental change. In the Swiss free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) experiment, the effect of altered atmospheric pCO₂ (35 vs. 60 Pa) and the influence of two different N‐fertilization regimes (14 vs. 56 g N m^?2 a^?1) on root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and other fungi (non‐AMF) of Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens were studied. Plants were grown in permanent monoculture plots, and fumigated during the growth period for 7 years. At elevated pCO₂ AMF and non‐AMF root colonization was generally increased in both plant species, with significant effects on colonization intensity and on hyphal and non‐AMF colonization. The CO₂ effect on arbuscules was marginally significant (P=0.076). Moreover, the number of small AMF spores (≤100 μm) in the soils of monocultures (at low‐N fertilization) of both plant species was significantly increased, whereas that of large spores (>100 μm) was increased only in L. perenne plots. N fertilization resulted in a significant decrease of root colonization in L. perenne, including the AMF parameters, hyphae, arbuscules, vesicles and intensity, but not in T. repens. This phenomenon was probably caused by different C‐sink limitations of grass and legume. Lacking effects of CO₂ fumigation on intraradical AMF structures (under high‐N fertilization) and no response to N fertilization of arbuscules, vesicles and colonization intensity suggest that the function of AMF in T. repens was non‐nutritional. In L. perenne, however, AM symbiosis may have amended N nutrition, because all root colonization parameters were significantly increased under low‐N fertilization, whereas under high‐N fertilization only vesicle colonization was increased. Commonly observed P‐nutritional benefits from AMF appeared to be absent under the phosphorus‐rich soil conditions of our field experiment. We hypothesize that in well‐fertilized agricultural ecosystems, grasses benefit from improved N nutrition and legumes benefit from increased protection against pathogens and/or herbivores. This is different from what is expected in nutritionally limited plant communities.     

Biosystematics of the Muellerianella complex (Homoptera, Delphacidae): host-plants, habitats and phenology

Abstract. 1. Ecological differences between closely related species and forms of the planthopper genus MueIlerianella (Delphacidae) were studied.
2. In the field M.brevipennis and M.faimairei are restricted to Deschampsia cespitosa and Holcus lanahis/H.mollis . respectively. M.extrusa is mainly found on Molinia caerulea , but has also been recorded from other grass-species. Triploid all-female forms which reproduce by gynogenesis usually live on Holcus together with M.fairmairei . Other gynogenetic populations were found on Bromus ramosus, Deschampsia flexuosa and Calamagrostis canescens .
3. Breeding experiments showed that the diploid species cannot be maintained on each other's host-plants, but accept other grass-species.
4. Due to overlapping habitat requirements of the host-plants, ecological isolation between the Muellerianella species is incomplete.
5. M.extrusa lives in bogs, moors and forests on poor acid soil. M.brevipennis is found in forests, carr, fens and in extensively managed grasslands. M.faimairei and associated triploid forms occur mainly in grasslands and other man-made habitats. The habitats of all three species are usually wet.
6. In most parts of Europe M.brevipennis and M.extrusa are monovoltine and M.fairmairei is mostly bi-or polyvoltine.     

Land-use change impact on mycorrhizal symbiosis in female and male plants of wild <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carica papaya</Emphasis> (Caricaceae)

It has been acknowledged that land-use change has negative effects on genetic diversity and sex ratio in dioecious species, but less attention has been paid on the influence that land-use change has on the biotic interactions, especially between dioecious species and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. AM mutualism involves reciprocal transfer of carbohydrates and mineral nutrients between the host plant’s roots and these fungi. Here, we report spatial and temporal variation in AM colonization in dioecious wild Carica papaya plants growing in sites with different land use intensity. We tagged, recorded the basal stem circumference and collected roots of reproductive female and male Carica papaya plants in three wild sites during dry and rainy seasons of western Mexico. We also collected soil samples in each site to conduct soil chemical analyses. The sexes of C. papaya did not show significant differences in the frequency (percentage of root colonized by intraradical fungal structures) and abundance (length of intraradical hyphae) of AM fungi but the higher AM colonization was observed during the dry season, and in the site with the lowest disturbance. There was no relationship between soil chemistry and AM colonization. Overall, our findings suggest that land-use intensity has a negative effect on AM colonization and we discuss the consequences of habitat loss for the reproductive female and male plants, the implications of decreasing AM colonization for wild Carica papaya plants an important species that provides a source of genetic variation for the C. papaya varieties.     

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.     

Growth responses to ozone in plant species from wetlands

Ten wet grassland species were fumigated with four concentrations of ozone (charcoal-filtered air, non-filtered air and non-filtered air plus 25 or 50 nl l(-1) ozone) in open-top chambers during one growing season to investigate the long-term effect of this air pollutant on various growth variables. Only Eupatorium cannabinum showed ozone-related foliar injury, while five species reacted with significantly ozone-enhanced senescence. Premature senescence was paralleled by a significant ozone-induced reduction of green leaf area in Achillea ptarmica, E. cannabinum and Plantago lanceolata. At the intermediate harvest performed after 28 days shoot weights were significantly decreased by ozone in A. ptarmica and increased in Molinia caerulea. At the final harvest performed at the end of the growing season two other species, Cirsium dissectum and E. cannabinum had a significantly reduced shoot weight due to ozone. Root biomass was determined only at the intermediate harvest. The root:shoot ratio (RSR) was significantly reduced in C. dissectum, while it increased in M. caerulea. Seven of the species developed flowers during the experiment. While no significant ozone effects on flowering date and flower numbers were detected, flower weights were significantly reduced in E. cannabinum and P. lanceolata.     

Fertilization and forb:graminoid ratio affect arbuscular mycorrhiza in seedlings but not adult plants of Plantago lanceolata

Aims

Nutrients play a key role in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. We quantified the response of AM symbiosis of seedlings and adult plants of Plantago lanceolata to fertilization under field conditions in managed grasslands differing in nutrient availability and soil moisture.

Methods

The AM symbiosis was measured as the total extent of AM fungal colonization and frequency of arbuscules or vesicles, and as the relative proportions of morphotypes. We further examined the effects of the surrounding vegetation upon AM symbiosis.

Results

Fertilization decreased total AM colonization and relative arbuscular frequency of the whole mycorrhizal community and of Acaulospora and “fine endophyte” morphotypes in seedling roots, but it had no effect upon the mycorrhiza in adult plants. The decline in arbuscular frequency in seedling roots due to fertilization was greater at the sites with higher nutrient availability and lower N:P ratio. Seedlings surrounded by more forbs had a greater total AM colonization and higher vesicular frequency.

Conclusions

Increased nutrient availability in the initial stages of seedling development has a prominent effect upon AM symbiosis development, but these effects seem to diminish over the long term, as evidenced by the results obtained for adult plants and from the limited effects of parameters characterizing long-term nutrient availability.     

城市生态系统中丛枝菌根真菌侵染状况及群落特征

作者采集了北京、青岛、济南、南京、武汉和贵阳6个城市中部分大学校园高羊茅Festuca elata、城内公园大叶黄杨Euonymus japonicus及郊区公园连翘Forsythia suspensa根区土样,测定菌根着生状况和丛枝菌根（arbuscular mycorrhizal,AM）AM真菌孢子密度,形态鉴定AM真菌种类,测定AM真菌种丰度、多样性指数及群落结构等。除从北京中国人民大学校园草坪和南京下马坊公园的大叶黄杨根系上未见丛枝结构外,其他根系样品均观测到典型的丛枝和泡囊结构,丛枝着生率较低,且多为A-型。各城市大多数样品的菌根总侵染率、丛枝着生率和泡囊数分别低于40%、5%和1/mm。北京中国人民大学草坪根系菌根总侵染率显著低于其他城市校区的。除北京香山的连翘和济南山东大学的高羊茅上的种丰度、Shannon指数、以及北京紫竹院公园大叶黄杨上的孢子密度之外,青岛市的3种植物上AM真菌的孢子密度、种丰度和Shannon指数均高于其他城市的。各校园草坪中相同的AM真菌种类较少,但放射球囊霉Glomus radiatum分布频率100%,为校园草坪中的优势种。城市公园以青岛中山公园的AM真菌的孢子密度和种丰度最高;郊区公园以贵阳黔灵山的孢子密度、种丰度和Shannon指数最高,武汉狮子山的种丰度和Shannon指数最低。土壤氮沉降与泡囊数量呈显著负相关,土壤压实程度与泡囊数量呈显著正相关。大叶黄杨根区土壤中AM真菌种丰度与土壤有机质含量呈显著正相关,Shannon指数与土壤pH呈显著正相关。结论认为,中国不同城市生态系统中AM真菌群落结构差异较大,氮沉降和土壤压实程度对根内泡囊数量具有不同的影响。     

Variability in population and community biomass in a grassland community affected by environmental productivity and diversity

Temporal variability of the biomass of individual populations and total community biomass were studied in a species rich meadow (35–40 species 0.25 m⁻² plot). Communities were experimentally subjected to fertilization and removal of the dominant Molinia caerulea in a factorial design. The typical dominance structure, with few dominants and many subordinate species, developed in all the treatments. Variability was measured by the coefficient of variation between years, from the fifth to the eighth year of the experiment (to avoid the initial response to the manipulations). Dominant removal increased the diversity measured by the reciprocal of the Simpson index, while fertilization decreased both species number and diversity and also caused a shift in community composition. The variability of both the total community and of individual species was higher in the fertilized plots. The coefficient of variation decreased with species mean biomass in all the plots. In non-fertilized plots, the dominant species had lower variability than total biomass. The biomass values of individual species fluctuated in a concordant manner over the years (i.e. were positively correlated). All of these factors will decrease the strength of the expected portfolio effect. It is argued that the effect of environmental productivity on variability is more pronounced than the effect of diversity.     

西北荒漠带细枝岩黄耆AM真菌与DSE真菌时空分布研究

为探明细枝岩黄耆Hedysarum scoparium根系丛枝菌根真菌（arbuscular mycorrhizae,AM）和深色有隔内生真菌（dark septate endophytes,DSE）定殖特征及其生态地理分布,充分理解菌根共生体在植物生长和植被恢复中的功能,本研究连续3年采集我国西北荒漠带不同样地细枝岩黄耆0-30cm土层土壤样品和根样,不同样地细枝岩黄耆均能被AM和DSE侵染,形成AM典型结构菌丝、泡囊和丛枝,DSE典型结构深色有隔菌丝和微菌核。细枝岩黄耆根系AM真菌定殖高于DSE定殖,但极端干旱条件下DSE定殖优于AM真菌定殖。AM真菌定殖率不同年际间表现为2016年最高,同一年份不同样地,除乌海、沙坡头样地,菌丝定殖率自东向西呈降低趋势。DSE真菌定殖率,在同一样地不同年份：乌海样地2016年定殖率显著高于2015年和2017年,在同一年份不同样地：2015年沙坡头样地DSE菌丝定殖率、总定殖率显著高于其他样地,而2016、2017年鄂尔多斯样地最高。NMDS分析结果显示,AM和DSE真菌定殖不同年际间差异显著。相关性分析表明,AM真菌定殖率与DSE定殖率显著正相关;土壤温度与AM定殖显著负相关;有机碳、速效磷、磷酸酶、湿度与AM定殖显著正相关;DSE菌丝定殖率、定殖强度仅与酸性磷酸酶正相关。本研究比较分析西北荒漠带不同样地AM和DSE定殖与土壤因子的相关性,有助于充分理解菌根共生体在植物生长和植被恢复中的功能和意义。     

Constitutive overexpression of the sucrose transporter SoSUT1 in potato plants increases arbuscular mycorrhiza fungal root colonization under high, but not under low, soil phosphorus availability

The sucrose transporter SUT1 functions in phloem loading of photoassimilates in solanaceous plant species. In the present study, wildtype and transgenic potato plants with either constitutive overexpression or antisense inhibition of SUT1 were grown under high or low phosphorus (P) fertilization levels in the presence or absence of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus intraradices. At a low soil P fertilization level, the extent of AM fungal root colonization was not different among the genotypes. In all plants, the AM symbiosis contributed significantly to P uptake under these conditions. In response to a high soil P fertilization level, all genotypes showed a decrease in AM fungal root colonization, indicating that the expression level of SUT1 does not constitute a major mechanism of control over AM development in response to the soil P availability. However, plants with overexpression of SUT1 showed a higher extent of AM fungal root colonization compared with the other genotypes when the soil P availability was high. Whether an increased symbiotic C supply, alterations in the phytohormonal balance, or a decreased synthesis of antimicrobial compounds was the major cause for this effect requires further investigation. In plants with impaired phloem loading, a low C status of plant sink tissues did apparently not negatively affect plant C supply to the AM symbiosis. It is possible that, at least during vegetative and early generative growth, source rather than sink tissues exert control over amounts of C supplied to AM fungi.     

Use of sod cutting for restoration of wet heathlands: revegetation and establishment of typical species in relation to soil conditions

Abstract. Field observations in sod-cut wet Molinia caerulea dominated heath lands revealed information on the revegetation process in relation to plot age and soil variables. Data on the most common species; Erica tetralix, Molinia caerulea, Drosera intermedia and Rhynchospora fusca show that Molinia tends to dominate again within a few years. Whereas the other species are affected in their development by either groundwater regime, soil acidity, nutrient availability or cut depth, Molinia caerulea is highly competitive in all situations. Soil acidity is the major factor affecting species diversity.     

Morphological alterations of pea (Pisum sativum cv. Sparkle) arbuscular mycorrhizas as a result of exogenous ethylene treatment

Little is known about the role of phytohormones in the formation of arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM). Although the involvement of ethylene in AM formation is unclear, it is considered very important for several aspects of plant growth and development. The effect of a suspected inhibitory level of ethylene was investigated to help elucidate its role in regulating the formation of AM. In particular, the morphology of AM fungal structures at various stages of the colonization process was documented. Exogenous application of 5.5 ppm ethylene to the substrate resulted in typical morphological changes to Pisum sativum and a significant reduction in the colonization of roots by the AM fungus Glomus aggregatum. Elevated substrate-ethylene did not affect the number of appressoria formed; however, it did result in the formation of abnormal appressoria, which appeared swollen and highly branched. Deformation of appressoria was correlated with a reduction of AM fungal entry into the root tissue, resulting in less colonization by intraradical hyphae and arbuscules. Colonization generally proceeded normally provided the fungal hyphae breached the epidermis, although the extension of colonization units was restricted.     

Weed control and cover crop management affect mycorrhizal colonization of grapevine roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spore populations in a California vineyard

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi naturally colonize grapevines in California vineyards. Weed control and cover cropping may affect AM fungi directly, through destruction of extraradical hyphae by soil disruption, or indirectly, through effects on populations of mycorrhizal weeds and cover crops. We examined the effects of weed control (cultivation, post-emergence herbicides, pre-emergence herbicides) and cover crops (Secale cereale cv. Merced rye, × Triticosecale cv.Trios 102) on AM fungi in a Central Coast vineyard. Seasonal changes in grapevine mycorrhizal colonization differed among weed control treatments, but did not correspond with seasonal changes in total weed frequency. Differences in grapevine colonization among weed control treatments may be due to differences in mycorrhizal status and/or AM fungal species composition among dominant weed species. Cover crops had no effect on grapevine mycorrhizal colonization, despite higher spring spore populations in cover cropped middles compared to bare middles. Cover crops were mycorrhizal and shared four AM fungal species (Glomus aggregatum, G. etunicatum, G. mosseae, G. scintillans) in common with grapevines. Lack of contact between grapevine roots and cover crop roots may have prevented grapevines from accessing higher spore populations in the middles.     

Effect of the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis upon uptake of cesium and other cations by plants

Pot experiments were set up to determine the species-specific uptake of cesium (Cs) by mycorrhizal (AM) and non-mycorrhizal (non-AM) plants. Using stable Cs and K application, side-effects of mineral fertilization (K) on AM development and uptake of Cs and the other cations Na, Ca and Mg were investigated. AM colonization by the fungus Glomus mosseae led to a significant decrease in shoot Cs content of Agrostis tenuis from the first (4 weeks) to the third harvest (8 weeks). With regard to the root system, statistically significant differences were observed from the first (4 weeks) to the second harvest (6 weeks). Supply of additional K produced a significant decrease in Cs uptake by both AM and non-AM plants over a 10-week period. In the case of AM plant shoots, K fertilization did not very effectively reduce Cs uptake by A. tenuis. Cs contents of fertilized AM roots were similar to non-AM controls. Potassium application resulted in an increase in K content and a slight reduction in Na and Mg contents of shoots and roots. Without K fertilization, the Na content of non-AM controls was significantly enhanced over AM shoots. Shoot and root Ca contents were generally higher without than with K addition. Negative side-effects of K fertilization as a countermeasure to Cs uptake were not observed in relation to AM development. The intensity of colonization by G. mosseae was not significantly depressed by K treatment. AM development in plants appeared to decrease Cs uptake, at least at moderate nutrient levels. It is possible that Cs is sequestered by AM extraradical fungal hyphae and consequently not transferred to the plant to the extent found in non-AM roots. Accepted: 6 November 2000     

Seasonal and temporal dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal and dark septate endophytic fungi in a tallgrass prairie ecosystem are minimally affected by nitrogen enrichment

Root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) and dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi in nitrogen amended and unamended mixed tallgrass prairie communities were analyzed monthly over two growing seasons. Roots were stained with Trypan blue and Sudan IV and fungal structures quantified using the modified magnified intersections method. Root length colonized (RLC) by DSE exceeded AM colonization during early part of the growing season. Fungal colonization varied among the years and was greater in 2003 than in 2002. Seasonal variation among the months within a growing season was observed in 2002 but not in 2003 for both AM and DSE. AM fungi were most abundant during the peak growing season of dominant C₄ vegetation while DSE were most abundant during the early part of the growing season. Hyperparasitism of AM hyphal coils by melanized septate fungi was frequently observed and increased with AM coil frequency. Although nitrogen amendment had altered the plant community composition, it had no impact on the colonization by AM or DSE fungi.     

Transformed soybean (Glycine max) roots as a tool for the study of the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis

Ri T-DNA transformed roots have been used effectively in studying the interaction between various plant hosts and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. We investigated the in vitro monoxenic symbiosis between the AM fungus Glomus intraradices and transformed soybean roots (TSRs). Comparisons were made between TSR system and plants of the same genotype. The extraradical fungal structures generated in vitro culture showed normal development. Straight runner hyphae branched into short simple branched absorbing structures and spores were initiated. AM symbiosis was confirmed by the presence of arbuscules and vesicles in cortical cells of the TSRs. The frequency of intraradical colonization in TSRs was higher than in plants grown in soil, whereas the intensity values of intraradical colonization in TSR cultures were similar to those in whole plants. These results show that TSR cultures were able to support the growth and characteristic development of G. intraradices.     

Fungal lipid accumulation and development of mycelial structures by two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

We monitored the development of intraradical and extraradical mycelia of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi Scutellospora calospora and Glomus intraradices when colonizing Plantago lanceolata. The occurrence of arbuscules (branched hyphal structures) and vesicles (lipid storage organs) was compared with the amounts of signature fatty acids. The fatty acid 16:1omega5 was used as a signature for both AM fungal phospholipids (membrane constituents) and neutral lipids (energy storage) in roots (intraradical mycelium) and in soil (extraradical mycelium). The formation of arbuscules and the accumulation of AM fungal phospholipids in intraradical mycelium followed each other closely in both fungal species. In contrast, the neutral lipids of G. intraradices increased continuously in the intraradical mycelium, while vesicle occurrence decreased after initial rapid root colonization by the fungus. S. calospora does not form vesicles and accumulated more neutral lipids in extraradical than in intraradical mycelium, while the opposite pattern was found for G. intraradices. G. intraradices allocated more of its lipids to storage than did S. calospora. Thus, within a species, the fatty acid 16:1omega5 is a good indicator for AM fungal development. The phospholipid fatty acid 16:1omega5 is especially suitable for indicating the frequency of arbuscules in the symbiosis. We propose that the ratio of neutral lipids to phospholipids is more important than is the presence of vesicles in determining the storage status of AM fungi.