Patterns of endorhizal fungal associations in fruit crops of southern India

A survey on the endorhizal status of 39 fruit crops of 25 families, indicated that 22 fruit crops had arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM)–, four had dark septate endophyte (DSE)–fungal association, and 13 had dual colonization of AM and DSE fungi. Fruit crops were capable of forming Arum‐, Paris‐, or intermediate‐types of AM morphologies of which intermediate‐type was common. To our knowledge, we report for the first time AM in 10 fruit crops and DSE‐fungal association in 17 fruit crops. The extent of AM‐ and DSE‐fungal colonization ranged from 41% to 98% and < 1% to 89.9%, respectively, in different fruit crops. Arbuscular mycorrhizal–fungal spore numbers in the rhizosphere ranged from 6 to 61 spores per 25 g of soil. Arbuscular mycorrhizal–fungal spores belonging to Acaulospora, Glomus, and Scutellospora were isolated from the rhizosphere soil.     

Root colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal, fine endophytic and dark septate fungi across a pH gradient in acid beech forests

Colonisation by root endophytes can be beneficial to plants growing on acid, nutrient-poor soils. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can supply herbs with nutrients and may give protection against aluminium toxicity. Two other root colonising fungi, fine endophytes (FE) and dark septate fungi (DSE), are less well known but are potentially of benefit to their host plant. AM fungi are the most prevalent symbionts in herbs at neutral to acidic soil pH. At extremely low pH, fungal growth can be limited and AM colonisation is usually rare. Fine and dark septate endophytes, on the other hand, have been observed more often under these conditions. In order to relate endophyte colonisation to a gradient in soil pH, we investigated root colonisation by AM, FE and DSE in Maianthemum bifolium, Galium odoratum, Mercurialis perennis and Stellaria nemorum, from a range of acidic beech forests. With decreasing pH, colonisation by AM decreased, whereas the other two endophytes increased. AM and FE colonisation were inversely correlated in Maianthemum bifolium. We compared changes in root colonisation with those in chemical composition of soil and leaf samples and found a positive correlation between leaf magnesium concentrations and the presence of DSE in Galium odoratum. Aluminium concentration in Maianthemum bifolium tended to be lower when FE colonisation was high, suggesting a possible role for the fungi in plant protection against Al. We suggest that FE and DSE may replace AM fungi in herbaceous vegetation at extremely low pH, counteracting some of the negative effects of high soil acidity on plants.     

Effects of soil application of olive mill wastewaters on the structure and function of the community of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Recycling of olive mill wastewaters (OMW) into agricultural soils is a controversial issue since benefits to soil fertility should counterbalance potential short-term toxicity effects. We investigated the short-term effects of OMW on the soil-plant system, regarding the diversity, structure and root colonization capacity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and the respective growth response of Vicia faba L, commonly used as green manure in olive-tree plantations. A compartmentalized pot system was used that allowed the establishment of an AM fungal community in one compartment (feeder) and the application of three OMW dose levels in an adjacent second compartment (receiver). At 0, 10, and 30 days after OMW treatment (DAT), V. faba pre-germinated seeds were seeded in the receiver compartment. At harvest, shoot and root dry weights, AM fungal root colonization, soil hyphal length and P availability were recorded in the receiver compartment. In addition, OMW effects on AM fungal diversity in plant roots were studied by DGGE. A transient effect of OMW application was observed; plant growth and AM fungal colonization were initially inhibited, whereas soil hyphal length was stimulated, but in most cases differences were absent when seeding was performed 30 DAT. Similarly, changes induced in the structure of the root AM fungal community were of transient nature. Cloning and sequencing of all the major DGGE bands showed that roots were colonized by Glomus spp. The transient effects of OMW on the structure and function of AM fungi could be attributed to OMW-derived phytoxicity to V. faba plants or to an indirect effect via alteration of soil nutritional status. The high OMW dose significantly increased soil P availability in the presence of AM fungi, suggesting efficient involvement of AM fungi in organic-P minerilization. Overall our results indicate that soil application of OMW would cause transient changes in the AM fungal colonization of V. faba plants, which, would not impair their long-term plant growth promoting ability.     

Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in red tangerine (Citrus reticulata Blanco) rootstock rhizospheric soils from hillside citrus orchards

Root colonization, abundance of spores and hyphae, as well as species diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi were analyzed in citrus orchards along an altitudinal gradient. The citrus trees were heavily colonized (50.87–77.45%) by native AM fungi. In citrus orchards located at <600 m above sea level (asl), we recorded more extensive hyphal and arbuscular colonization, and higher spore and hyphal length density. AM fungal colonization, spore density, and hyphal length density were closely correlated with edaphic factors such as available phosphorus, pH, and organic matter. A total of 18 AM fungal species belonging to 3 different orders, Archaeosporales (1 species), Diversisporales (7 species) and Glomerales (10 species), were identified on the basis of spore morphological characteristics. In orchards located at higher altitudes (≥700 m asl), we observed a significant decrease in species richness and Shannon–Wiener index values. However, in all of the surveyed orchards, Glomus aggregatum, Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus intraradices were the dominant species. Isolate frequency and relative abundance of AM fungi exhibited clearly distinct distribution patterns among taxonomic families. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that the AM fungal community structure was significantly influenced by environmental factors, especially altitude, pH, soil moisture, and available nitrogen. Our data indicated that environmental factors are important in determining AM fungal root colonization, propagule numbers, and species diversity in citrus orchards.     

Organic acid exudation by mycorrhizal Andropogon virginicus L. (broomsedge) roots in response to aluminum

Elevated aluminum (Al) availability limits plant growth on acidic soils. Although this element is found naturally in soils, acidic conditions create an environment where Al solubility increases and toxic forms of Al impact plant function. Plant resistance to Al is often attributed to organic acid exudation from plant roots and the chelation of cationic Al in the rhizosphere. The association of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi with the roots of plants may alleviate Al toxicity by altering soil Al availability or plant exposure through the binding of Al to fungal structures or through the influence of fungi on exudation from roots. Diverse communities of AM fungi are found in soil ecosystems and research suggests that AM fungi exhibit functional diversity that may influence plant performance under varying edaphic environments. In the present study, we evaluated acidic isolates of six AM species in their responses to Al. Andropogon virginicus (broomsedge), a warm-season grass that commonly grows in a range of stressful environments including acidic soils, was used as a plant host for Acaulospora morrowiae, Glomus claroideum, Glomus clarum, Glomus etunicatum, Paraglomus brasilianum, and Scutellospora heterogama. Fungal spores were germinated and exposed to 0 or 100 μM Al on filter paper in sand culture or were grown and exposed to Al in sand culture in association with A. virginicus. Short- and long-term responses to Al were evaluated using direct measurements of fungal spore germination, hyphal elongation, and measurements of A. virginicus colonization and plant growth as a phytometer of AM function in symbio. Spore germination and hyphal elongation varied among AM species in response to Al, but patterns were not consistent with the influences of these AM species on A. virginicus under Al exposure. Exposure to Al did not influence colonization of roots, although large differences existed in colonization among fungal species. Plants colonized by G. clarum and S. heterogama exhibited the least reduction in growth when exposed to Al, produced the highest concentrations of Al-chelating organic acids, and had the lowest concentrations of free Al in their root zones. This pattern provides evidence that variation among AM fungi in Al resistance conferred to their plant hosts is associated with the exudation of Al-binding organic acids from roots and highlights the role that AM fungal diversity may play in plant performance in acidic soil environments.     

Influence of irrigation with pulp and paper mill effluent on soil chemical and microbiological properties

Summary Irrigation of sugarcane crops with combined pulp and paper mill effluent increased soil pH, organic C, N, P, and K. Over a period of 15 years effluent application increased exchangeable Na by 4.5-fold compared with control soil (well-water irrigated), which ultimately elevated the Na adsorption ratio of the soils. The combined effluent irrigation increased the soil populations of bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, rhizobia, and yeasts. The populations of soil microorganisms were higher after 15 years of effluent treatment, followed by 3, 2, and 1 year of effluent treatment; these populations were directly proportional to soil organic C and to the available nutrient status of the soils. Regular monitoring of microflora showed a considerable change in the populations from one sampling month to another. Soil samples, including the control, collected in May (summer) showed maximum counts of bacteria, fungi, rhizobia, and yeasts.     

Native soil organic matter as a decisive factor to determine the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community structure in contaminated soils

The present study of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is focused on the identification of AM ecotypes associated with different plants species (Poa annua, Medicago polymorpha, and Malva sylvestris) growing in three contaminated soils with different organic matter, phosphorus, and trace element (TE; Cu, Cd, Mn, and Zn) contents. Soils were amended with biosolid and alperujo compost. Shifts in AM fungal community structure, diversity, richness, root colonization, and plant TE uptake were evaluated. Soil properties and plant species had a significant effect on AM fungal community composition as well as on root colonization. However, AM fungal diversity and richness were only affected by soil properties and especially by soil organic matter that was a major driver of AM fungal community. As soil quality increased, Glomeraceae decreased in favor of Claroideoglomeraceae in the community, AM fungal diversity and richness increased, and root colonization decreased. No effect due to amendment (exogenous organic matter) addition was found either in AM fungal parameters measured or TE plant uptake. Our results revealed that the role of TE contamination was secondary for the fungal community behavior, being the native organic matter content the most significant factor.     

Glycosidation of apigenin results in a loss of its activity on different growth parameters of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from the genus Glomus and Gigaspora

The effect of different concentrations (0.5, 2 and 8 μM) of apigenin and its glycosidated form 5,7,4′-hydroxy flavone glycoside on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal spore germination, hyphal growth, hyphal branching, the formation of entry points and root colonization of Gigaspora. rosea, Gi. margarita, Glomus mosseae and G. intraradices was tested. The lowest apigenin concentration (0.5 μM) nearly doubled hyphal branching, the formation of entry points and root colonization of all four tested fungi, whereas higher concentrations (2 and 8 μM) nearly doubled the hyphal growth of Gi. margarita, G. mosseae and G. intraradices. In none of the treatments with the apigenin-glycoside any effect on AM fungi could be observed. Our data show that apigenin exhibits an AM fungal genus and even species activity and we provide strong evidence that glycosidation results in a loss of its activity towards AM fungi.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity along a Tibetan elevation gradient

Rhizosphere samples were taken from herbaceous plants along an altitudinal gradient on Segrila Mountain slope. Root colonization and spore biodiversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from different altitudes were analyzed. Of the 146 plant species representing 45 families investigated, 72.2% of plant species were colonized by AMF and formed typical AM structures. A broad range of AM fungal taxa, 62 taxa representing all 4 orders of AMF were isolated from the soil. The composition of the AMF spore community was quite different at different positions along the elevation gradient. Some AM fungi, such as Scutellospora, preferred some specific elevations, or a range of elevation. Intensity of root colonization (M%) and spore density were negatively correlated with the altitude of the study sites. Species richness showed a decreasing trend with increasing elevation but the Shannon–Weiner index was unaffected by elevation. Isolate frequency and relative abundance of AMF also showed quite different distribution patterns among taxonomic families. The drivers of these changes in the AM fungal assemblages is not known and cannot be determined conclusively using such a comparative study along an environmental gradient.     

Distribution of roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal associations in tropical forest types of Xishuangbanna,southwest China

Root distribution and mycorrhizal associations were compared in primary, secondary and limestone forests in Xishuangbanna, southwest China. Soil cores to a depth of 20 cm were collected at random points from four 50 m² quadrats in each forest type. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) associations were the only form of mycorrhiza found in all forest types. The primary forest was characterized by high root mass, root lengths and AM colonization levels higher than other forest types. In contrast, secondary forests had greater AM fungal spore numbers and specific root length, indicating that plant species in secondary forests achieved a greater degree of soil exploration with less biomass allocation to roots. Root density, AM colonization and AM fungal spore numbers decreased with soil depth in all forest types. Although the correlation between AM colonization levels and spore numbers was insignificant when all forest types were considered together, significant relationships emerged when each forest type was considered individually. AM colonization and spore numbers were correlated with several root variables.     

Abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in relation to soil salinity around Lake Urmia in northern Iran analyzed by use of lipid biomarkers and microscopy

Saline soils around Lake Urmia in northern Iran constitute a stressed environment for plants and microbial communities, including arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Soil and root samples were collected from fields cultivated with the glycophytes Allium cepa L. and Medicago sativa L., and sites dominated by the halophyte Salicornia europaea L. Soil and root samples were analyzed for the AM fungal signature neutral lipid fatty acid (NLFA) 16:1ω5. The roots were also examined microscopically for mycorrhizal colonization. Each plant species was sampled across a salt gradient. Microscopic examination showed no AM fungal structures in the roots of S. europaea. The highest root colonization was recorded for M. sativa. The highest NLFA 16:1ω5 values were found in soil around M. sativa roots and the lowest in soil around S. europaea roots. We found evidence for stimulation of vesicle formation at moderate salinity levels in M. sativa, which is an indication of increased carbon allocation to mycorrhiza. On the other hand, we found a negative correlation between salinity and arbuscule formation in A. cepa, which may indicate a less functional symbiosis in saline soils.     

Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and salinity on growth,biomass, and mineral nutrition of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Acacia auriculiformis</Emphasis>

The effect of salinity on the efficacy of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Glomus fasciculatum and G. macrocarpum, alone and in combination was investigated on growth, development and nutrition of Acacia auriculiformis. Plants were grown under different salinity levels imposed by 0.3, 0.5 and 1.0 S m^-1 solutions of 1 M NaCl. Both mycorrhizal fungi protected the host plant against the detrimental effect of salinity. The extent of AM response on growth as well as root colonization varied with fungal species, and with the level of salinity. Maximum root colonization and spore production was observed with combined inoculation, which resulted in greater plant growth at all salinity levels. AM fungal inoculated plants showed significantly higher root and shoot weights. Greater nutrient acquisition, changes in root morphology, and electrical conductivity of soil in response to AM colonization was observed, and may be possible mechanisms to protect plants from salt stress.     

Influence of organic manures on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. in relation to tissue nutrients and soluble carbohydrate in roots under field conditions

 The interaction of plant nutrients, root-soluble carbohydrate availability and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi was examined in field grown cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]. Plant nutrients were altered through application of farmyard (cow dung, sheep manure) and green (sunnhemp, pongamia) manures. Organic amendments increased plant growth, AM fungal colonization, soluble carbohydrate concentration in roots, and spore numbers. Percent total colonization, root length with vesicles and spore numbers in soil were negatively correlated with the concentration of soluble carbohydrates within roots, which in turn were related to tissue nutrient levels. However, a positive correlation existed between soluble carbohydrate concentrations within root and root length with arbuscules. But the mycorrhizal parameters were related more to plant nutrient level and their ratios, indicating that tissue nutrients have another level of control in addition to their effect on soluble carbohydrate concentration in roots. Increased AM colonization due to organic amendment significantly reduced nutrient imbalances. The strong relationship between colonization and root-soluble carbohydrate concentration levels validates the basic assumption that mycorrhizal fungi act as a 'strong sink' for photosynthates. This study indicates that the host influences AM colonization by regulating the formation of AM fungal structures and spore formation via availability of root carbohydrates. Received: 15 January 1999     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal abundance in contaminated soils around a zinc and lead deposit

In order to study the variations in spore abundance and root colonization parameters of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in a naturally heavy metals polluted site and their relationships with soil properties, 35 plots in the Anguran Zn and Pb mining region were selected along a transect from the mine to 4500 m away. Within each plot, a composite sample of root and rhizospheric soil from a dominant indigenous plant was collected. The soil samples were analyzed for their physico-chemical characteristics. Spores were extracted, counted and identified at genus level. The roots were examined for colonization, arbuscular abundance, mycorrhizal frequency and intensity. Along the transect, the total and available (DTPA-extractable) concentration of Zn decreased from 6472 to 45 mg kg⁻¹ and 75 to 5 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. For Pb the values varied from 5203 to 0 mg kg⁻¹ and 32 to 0 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. In parallel, root colonization rate in the dominant native plants (except Alyssum sp.) varied from 35% to 85% and the spore numbers from 80 to 1306 per 200 g dry soil along the transect. Spores of Glomus were abundantly found in all plots as dominant, while Acaulospora spores were observed only in some moderately polluted and in control plots. AM fungal propagules never disappeared completely even in soils with the highest rates of both heavy metals. Spore numbers were more affected by Zn and Pb concentrations than root colonization. The variations of AM fungi propagules were better related to available than to total concentration of both metals. Spore numbers were positively correlated with mycorrhizal colonization parameters, particularly with arbuscular abundance.     

Community structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with Robinia pseudoacacia in uncontaminated and heavy metal contaminated soils

The significance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in soil remediation has been widely recognized because of their ability to promote plant growth and increase phytoremediation efficiency in heavy metal (HM) polluted soils by improving plant nutrient absorption and by influencing the fate of the metals in the plant and soil. However, the symbiotic functions of AMF in remediation of polluted soils depend on plant–fungus–soil combinations and are greatly influenced by environmental conditions. To better understand the adaptation of plants and the related mycorrhizae to extreme environmental conditions, AMF colonization, spore density and community structure were analyzed in roots or rhizosphere soils of Robinia pseudoacacia. Mycorrhization was compared between uncontaminated soil and heavy metal contaminated soil from a lead–zinc mining region of northwest China. Samples were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) screening with AMF-specific primers (NS31 and AM1), and sequencing of rRNA small subunit (SSU). The phylogenetic analysis revealed 28 AMF group types, including six AMF families: Glomeraceae, Claroideoglomeraceae, Diversisporaceae, Acaulosporaceae, Pacisporaceae, and Gigasporaceae. Of all AMF group types, six (21%) were detected based on spore samples alone, four (14%) based on root samples alone, and five (18%) based on samples from root, soil and spore. Glo9 (Rhizophagus intraradices), Glo17 (Funneliformis mosseae) and Acau3 (Acaulospora sp.) were the three most abundant AMF group types in the current study. Soil Pb and Zn concentrations, pH, organic matter content, and phosphorus levels all showed significant correlations with the AMF species compositions in root and soil samples. Overall, the uncontaminated sites had higher species diversity than sites with heavy metal contamination. The study highlights the effects of different soil chemical parameters on AMF colonization, spore density and community structure in contaminated and uncontaminated sites. The tolerant AMF species isolated and identified from this study have potential for application in phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated areas.     

Impact of plant species grown as monocultures on sporulation and root colonization by native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in potato

Rhizosphere soils from 12 different plant species grown as monocultures at a field site of biodiversity and ecological processes in terrestrial herbaceous ecosystems (BIODEPTH) in northern Sweden were used as inoculum on potato to investigate mycorrhizal traits. Potato roots showed significantly higher mycorrhizal colonization when inoculated with soil samples from Festuca ovina and Leucanthemum vulgare compared to soil samples from other plants. The soil samples of F. ovina, L. vulgare, Phalaris arundinacea and Trifolium pratense rhizospheres were chosen for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi identification based on spore morphology and large subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA sequences amplified from single spores and roots. Spore morphological identification showed that Glomus mosseae and Glomus intraradices were found in F. ovina and L. vulgare soils at the site as well as in our potato trap experiment. Also, Glomus geosporum spores were present in all four plants’ soils in the potato trap experiment. LSU rDNA sequences were obtained from AM fungal spores from the collection site or potato trap experiment and colonized potato roots inoculated with L. vulgare soil. Sequences showed highest similarity to G. mosseae. Our results suggest that the host F. ovina and L. vulgare could be considered in crop rotation to enhance AM fungal inocula for potatoes.     

Tempo-spatial dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under clonal plant Psammochloa villosa Trin. Bor in Mu Us sandland

Tempo-spatial dynamics of AM fungi within the rhizome system of Psammochloa villosa (Poaceae) were investigated in Mu Us sandland, northwest China. Soil samples in the annual and perennial ramet rhizospheres of P. villosa were collected in 2007. AM fungal percent colonization reached maximal values in the rainy season and spore number in the dry season. Spore number exhibited positive correlation with soil pH and available phosphorous (P) (P < 0.01), and negative correlation with available nitrogen (N) (P < 0.05). Vesicular, arbuscular, hyphal and total colonization were positively correlated with soil organic matter and available P (P < 0.01), and negatively correlated with available N (P < 0.01). Fourteen species of AM fungi in four genera were isolated. The same AM fungal taxa were found in the annual and perennial ramet rhizospheres, although the last ones had higher fungal colonization and spore number. A high Shannon-Weiner diversity index of AM fungi was observed. Spore number and species richness indicated that Glomus was the predominant AM fungi, especially the small-spored taxa. AM fungal dynamics under P. villosa are highly seasonal: different aged ramets and nutrient availability have effects on AM fungal development and abundance in Mu Us sandland.     

Karlheinz richter zum 65. geburtstag

Studies were carried out on spatio-temporal variations of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi associated with Carica papaya L. growing in two different geographic localities in Goa, India – Western Ghats and coastal area, differing in soil characteristics and plantation status. The study recorded considerable variation in root colonization, spore density and distribution of AM fungi in the selected sites. The mean total root colonization was at a maximum in the month of July, while spore density was highest in April. The study recorded a total 33 species of AM fungi. Western Ghats recorded a relatively higher diversity of AM fungi compared to coastal area. Species richness of AM fungi was at a maximum in April and coincided with maximum mean spore density. Edaphic as well as climatic factors influenced the AM fungal parameters. The study recorded the existence of seasonality in AM fungi.     

Involvement of autoregulation in the interaction between rhizobial nodulation and AM fungal colonization in soybean roots

Soybean plants autoregulate to suppress excessive nodulation. It has been revealed recently that the autoregulation of various legumes controls both nodulation and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal colonization. We investigated the involvement of autoregulation in the interaction between rhizobial nodulation and AM fungal colonization. We used a wild-type soybean cv. Enrei and its hypernodulating mutant Kanto100, defective in the autoregulation. We included four different treatments: an uninoculated control, inoculation with rhizobium Bradyrhizobium japonicum alone, inoculation with AM fungus Gigaspora rosea alone, and dual inoculation with rhizobium and AM fungus. In both Enrei and Kanto100, AM fungal colonization enhanced the weight and N₂ fixation of nodules, suggesting that autoregulation of host plant is not involved in the stimulatory effect of AM fungal colonization on rhizobial nodulation. In plants with the AM fungus alone, the AM fungal colonization of Enrei was comparable to that of Kanto100. In plants with dual inoculation, however, this was significantly (P?<?0.05) lower than in Kanto100. To confirm the control of AM fungal colonization by the autoregulation of host plant, a reciprocal grafting experiment was performed between Enrei and Kanto100. In plants with the AM fungus alone, AM fungal colonization was comparable among Enrei (shoot)/Enrei (root), Enrei/Kanto100, Kanto100/Enrei, and Kanto100/Kanto100 grafts. In plants with dual inoculation, however, AM fungal colonization of Enrei/Enrei and Enrei/Kanto100 grafts was significantly (P?<?0.05) lower than that of Kanto100/Enrei and Kanto100/Kanto100. These results indicate that rhizobial nodulation suppresses AM fungal colonization, and the autoregulation of host plant, initiated by nodulation, is involved in this phenomenon.     

Impact of 12-year field treatments with organic and inorganic fertilizers on crop productivity and mycorrhizal community structure

The effect of manure and mineral fertilization on the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal community structure of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants was studied. Soils were collected from a field experiment treated for 12 years with equivalent nitrogen (N) doses of inorganic N, dairy manure slurry, or without N fertilization. Fresh roots of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) grass collected from the field plots without N fertilization and unfumigated field soils were used as native microbial inoculum sources. Sunflower plants were sown in pots containing these soils, and three different means of manipulating the microbial community were set: unfumigated soil with fresh grass roots, fumigated soil with fresh grass roots, or fumigated soil with sterilized grass roots. Assessing the implications with respect to plant productivity and mycorrhizal community structure was investigated. Twelve AM fungal OTUs were identified from root or soil samples as different taxa of Acaulospora, Claroideoglomus, Funneliformis, Rhizophagus, and uncultured Glomus, using PCR-DGGE and sequencing of an 18S rRNA gene fragment. Sunflower plants grown in manure-fertilized soils had a distinct AMF community structure from plants either fertilized with mineral N or unfertilized, with an abundance of Rhizophagus intraradices-like (B2). The results also showed that AM inoculation increased P and N contents in inorganic N-fertilized or unfertilized plants, but not in manure-fertilized plants.