西北地区赤霞珠葡萄根际土壤中AM真菌的多样性

对西北地区5个酿酒葡萄赤霞珠（Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon）葡萄园根际土壤060 cm土层的AM真菌空间分布进行了研究。结果表明,葡萄根系可形成丛枝菌根,且侵染率较高,最高达79%; 在西北地区的5个样地中共分离出AM真菌4属22种,其中球囊霉属（Glomus）15种,无梗囊霉属（Acaulospora）4种,盾巨孢囊霉属（Scutellospora）2种,巨孢囊霉属（Gigaspora）1种。5个样地孢子密度大小顺序为: 陕西泾阳（JY）＞山西永济（YJ）＞陕西杨凌（YL）＞宁夏银川（YC）＞甘肃莫高（MG）。各样地葡萄根际土壤中AM真菌种的丰富度不同,陕西泾阳地区最高; 分布于葡萄根际的AM真菌按种类多少排序的属依次是: 球囊霉属无梗囊霉属盾巨孢囊霉属巨孢囊霉属,球囊霉属占据的比例保持着绝对优势; 根内球囊霉、摩西球囊霉、地表球囊霉在不同样地中均为优势菌株,副冠球囊霉,集球囊霉,细凹无梗囊霉是多数样地中的稀有种类。研究表明,葡萄与AM真菌具有良好的共生关系,二者协同进化产生了具有生态环境特异性的菌根真菌多样性; 葡萄根际存在较为丰富的丛枝菌根真菌资源,可供进一步开发利用。     

毛乌素沙地典型克隆植物根际AM真菌多样性研究

为阐明毛乌素沙地3种典型克隆植物沙鞭[Psammochloa villosa(Trin.)Bor.]、羊柴(Hedysarum leaveMaxim)和油蒿(Artemisia ordosica Krasch.)根际AM真菌多样性,2006年的5月、7月、10月从毛乌素沙地选取东北缘的中国科学院植物研究所鄂尔多斯沙地草地生态研究站和西南缘的陕西榆林珍稀沙生植物保护基地两个样地,按0~10 cm、10~20 cm、20~30 cm、30~40 cm、40~50 cm 5个土层采集3种克隆植物根际土壤样品,研究了其根际AM真菌物种多样性和生态分布。在分离出的4属23种AM真菌中,球囊霉属(Glomus)15种,无梗囊霉属(Acaulospora)5种,巨孢囊霉属(Gigaspora)2种,盾巨孢囊霉属(Scutellospora)1种。摩西球囊霉(G.mosseae)是沙鞭根际的优势种,黑球囊霉(G.melanosporum)是3种克隆植物共同的常见种;不同属种的AM真菌生态分布亦存在差异。AM真菌孢子密度、种的丰度和物种多样性指数均表现为在研究站样地的羊柴根际最高。该研究结果表明,毛乌素沙地的3种典型克隆植物与AM真菌之间形成良好的共生关系,这对开发漠境AM真菌资源和利用菌根生物技术维护沙地生态系统结构的完整性具有重要意义。     

冬麦免耕覆盖栽培对土壤丛枝菌根真菌多样性的影响

为揭示冬麦免耕覆盖栽培管理措施对土壤丛枝菌根真菌多样性的影响,以农田土壤生态系统为研究对象,利用Illumina MiSeq平台通过高通量测序的方法,对连续免耕覆盖栽培及有机肥管理下冬麦土壤丛枝菌根真菌群落组成及其与土壤环境因子间的相互关系进行研究。结果表明,丛枝菌根(AM)真菌在97%相似度下共获得4 515个AM真菌的操作分类单元(OTUs),分属于1门3纲4目8科10属155种。不同处理中,类球囊霉属(Paraglomus),球囊霉属(Glomus)和近明球囊霉(Claroideoglomus)为优势属,受农业综合管理措施中有机肥施用、免耕覆盖因子的影响,近明球囊霉、有隔球囊霉属相对丰度在不同处理间存在显著差异(P<0.05)。与耕作、不覆盖相比,免耕、覆盖措施提高了AM真菌多样性指数,但降低了AM真菌属的丰富度;与无肥条件相比,有机肥施用提高了AM真菌丰富度指数,但降低了AM真菌多样性指数。多元分析结果表明,土壤全磷及速效磷含量是影响AM真菌群落组成中优势属丰度变化的主要因素。免耕覆盖、有机栽培改变了土壤AM真菌的多样性及丰富度,土壤中丰度较低的AM真菌菌属更容易受到有机肥施用的影响;有机肥与免耕、覆盖管理的交互作用对AM真菌近明球囊霉属相对丰度有显著影响(P<0.05)。AM真菌群落对耕作覆盖、有机肥施用管理活动的响应受到农业综合管理活动及其相关因素交互作用的影响。本研究结果为合理农作物免耕覆盖、有机栽培管理提供了理论依据。     

外来植物紫茎泽兰入侵对菌根菌群落的影响

为了研究紫茎泽兰(Ageratina adenophora)入侵对土壤菌根真菌(mycorrhizal fungi, MF)群落的影响,采用嵌套PCR 技术分析了外来植物紫茎泽兰入侵生境内土著植物群落、土著植物与紫茎泽兰混生群落、紫茎泽兰单优群落中, 侵染紫茎泽兰及土著植物的MF 群落结构, 及紫茎泽兰与土著植物根围土壤中MF 群落结构。结果表明, 紫茎泽兰不同入侵进程MF 群落结构存在差异, 其中, 从土著植物群落的植物根内检测到内养球囊霉(Glomus intraradices)型克隆; 从土著植物与紫茎泽兰混生群落的紫茎泽兰根内也检测到内养球囊霉型克隆, 而在土著植物根内检测到1 个球囊霉属(Glomus sp 2)型克隆; 从紫茎泽兰单优群落的紫茎泽兰根内未检测到MF, 但从其根围土壤中检测到2 个球囊霉属(Glomus sp 1 和Glomus sp 2)型克隆。在土著植物与紫茎泽兰混生群落中, 从紫茎泽兰根围土壤中检测到4 个克隆型, 分别为毛舌菌阔孢(Trichoglossum hirsutum)、皂味口磨(Tricholoma saponaceum)、亚盖趋本菌(Xylobolus subpileatus)和翘鳞肉齿菌(Sarcodon imbricatus), 从土著植物根围土壤中也检测到4 个克隆型, 分别为小皮伞(Camarophyllopsis hymenocephala)、肉色香蘑(Lepista irina)、皂味口磨及亚侧耳(Panellus serotinus)型克隆; 在土著植物群落中, 从根围土壤只检测到皂味口磨型克隆。紫茎泽兰入侵改变了土著MF 群落结构, 其中在土著植物占据的土壤中以外生菌根真菌为主, 而外来植物紫茎泽兰则更多地积累了丛枝菌根真菌。文中讨论了紫茎泽兰改变入侵地土壤菌根菌群落及其可能对紫茎泽兰入侵的反馈。     

内蒙古盐碱土中AM真菌的多样性与分布

在内蒙古盐碱土13种主要植物分离到3属26种AM真菌,其中球囊霉属(Glomus)22种,无梗囊霉属(Acaulospora)3种,原囊霉属(Archaeospora)1种。地球囊霉(Glomus geosporum)和地表球囊霉(Glomus ver-siforme)是该区域盐碱土中的优势种。13种主要植物均能被AM真菌侵染,其中玉米和马蔺的侵染率最高,达100%;根际土壤中AM真菌孢子密度范围为29~182个g-1烘干土,其中稻的孢子密度最高,达182个g-1烘干土;在不同土壤类型条件下植物的菌根侵染率具有明显的差异,其规律为草甸盐土>碱化盐土>盐化草甸土>碱化草甸土;根际土壤中孢子密度以碱化草甸土最高(101个g-1烘干土),其次为碱化盐土、草甸盐土和盐化草甸土。相关分析表明,根际土壤中AM真菌孢子密度与菌根侵染率无显著相关性。     

贵州务川汞矿区土壤丛枝菌根真菌多样性研究

对贵州务川汞矿区不同水平汞污染植物根际土壤丛枝菌根(Arbuscular Mycorrhizal,AM)真菌资源分布及多样性进行分析，结果发现：本研究选取的务川汞矿区3个样地土壤汞含量在94.1～268.0 mg/kg，远高于国家规定的土壤汞含量，汞污染极其严重。随着汞含量增加，AM真菌侵染率、孢子密度显著降低，AM真菌群落丰富度、多样性及均匀度均有所降低，但差异未达显著水平，而仍有部分对汞污染耐受性较强的AM真菌有较高的分布。另外，管柄囊霉属AM真菌在5个样品中均有较高丰度，球囊霉属AM真菌在火棘根际的相对丰度随着汞含量升高而升高，因此，火棘–管柄囊霉属AM真菌或火棘–球囊霉属AM真菌联合进行汞污染修复，有一定的应用价值。     

喀斯特不同植被恢复阶段土壤AMF组成及多样性研究

选择贵州花江、织金、花溪3个典型喀斯特地段的不同恢复阶段(乔木、灌木和草本)土壤丛枝菌根真菌(arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi,AMF)为研究对象,基于AMF孢子的形态鉴定,计算AMF孢子密度、分离频度、物种丰度、重要值、物种均匀度指数及Shannon-Wiener多样性指数,研究喀斯特不同恢复阶段土壤AMF物种组成及多样性。结果表明:3个采样地段共分离AMF菌种4目8科10属68种,其中球囊霉属(Glomus)数量最大达35种,其次是无梗囊霉属(Acaulospora)为17种,巨孢囊霉属(Gigspora)、类球囊霉属(Paraglomus)及原囊霉属(Archaeospora)各1种;不同采样地段各植被恢复阶段的优势种不同,所有样地中层状球囊霉Glomus lamellosum具有最大的相对丰度、分离频度和重要值;AMF种分类水平上,花江样地不同恢复阶段AMF丰度表现为乔木灌木草本,织金样地为灌木草本乔木,花溪样地为灌木乔木草本;不同植被恢复阶段土壤AMF均匀度指数和香农多样性指数在花江和织金多表现为乔木灌木草本,花溪样地Shannon-Wineer指数则是灌木显著高于乔木和灌木阶段。研究表明,喀斯特土壤中因异质生境条件的差异AMF菌种组成和物种多样性具有较大的差异。     

不同地点和复垦方式煤矸石山土壤中丛枝菌根真菌群落变化

以山西省大同市晋华宫人工复垦和自然恢复煤矸石山以及忻州窑自然恢复煤矸石山为研究对象,采用IlluminaMiSeq高通量测序技术对三座煤矸石山土壤AM真菌群落组成进行分析,并测定其土壤理化性质,以探究不同地点煤矸石山不同复垦方式下土壤中丛枝菌根真菌（Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, AM真菌）群落组成的差异及其土壤影响因子。结果表明：晋华宫人工复垦煤矸石山和忻州窑自然恢复煤矸石山AM真菌多样性指数（Chao指数和香农-威纳指数）存在显著差异,但晋华宫人工复垦和自然恢复煤矸石山AM真菌群落的多样性指数差异不显著。试验共检测到67个AM真菌OTUs,可鉴定到3个AM真菌属级分类单元,其中球囊霉属（Glomus）在晋华宫人工复垦煤矸石山、晋华宫自然恢复煤矸石山和忻州窑自然恢复煤矸石山中均为最优势菌,多样孢囊霉属（Diversispora）、类球囊霉属（Paraglomus）仅出现在晋华宫自然恢复煤矸石山。多元置换方差分析和多维尺度分析结果表明,晋华宫两种恢复方式的煤矸石山之间AM真菌群落组成差异不显著,而晋华宫与忻州窑两个地点的煤矸石山AM真菌群落组成差异显著。AM...     

冬小麦免耕覆盖与有机栽培对土壤微生物群落组成的影响

为揭示农业管理活动对土壤微生物群落结构及AM真菌多样性的影响,以农田土壤生态系统为研究对象,选取免耕覆盖+施有机肥（NF）、免耕覆盖+不施有机肥（NC）、传统耕作不覆盖+施有机肥（TF）和传统耕作不覆盖+不施有机肥（TC）4种处理,采用Illumina Miseq高通量测序及磷脂脂肪酸（phospholipid fatty acids,PLFAs）分析方法,研究持续冬小麦免耕覆盖有机栽培3年后,土壤微生物群落结构组成、AM真菌及其多样性与土壤环境因子间的关系。结果表明,持续免耕覆盖有机栽培能增加以PLFA表征的土壤微生物群落的生物量,传统耕作显著提高了土壤革兰氏阳性菌（G⁺）、阴性菌（G^-）的生物量（P<0.05）。且随免耕栽培管理年限增加,土壤AM真菌生物量呈显著上升趋势;以16：1ω5c中性脂（NLFA）与16：1ω5c磷脂（PLFA）表征的AM真菌生物量比值显著升高（P<0.05）。免耕覆盖措施下,有机肥的施用提高了土壤AM真菌丰富度指数（Chao1指数和ACE指数）,但降低了土壤AM真菌的多样性（香农指数、辛普森指数）。主成分分析结果显示,AM真菌孢子（16：1ω5c中性脂）的生物量与土壤有机质、土壤易提取球囊霉素含量呈正相关关系,AM真菌丰富度指数与土壤有机质含量呈正相关,AM真菌多样性指数与土壤全氮含量、脲酶活性呈正相关。受农业管理措施导致的土壤理化性状及土壤生物学差异等综合因素影响,土壤微生物生物量及AM真菌多样性和丰富度改变。免耕覆盖措施提高了土壤AM真菌多样性指数,有机肥施用显著影响了AM真菌NLFA/PLFA生物量的比例,改变了AM真菌孢子和菌丝间生物量碳的分配关系。     

沙坡头地区地衣和藓类结皮丛枝菌根真菌多样性研究

丛枝菌根真菌(Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi,AMF)是自然界分布最广的一类植物共生真菌,可与生物土壤结皮(Biological soil crust,BSC)的隐花植物形成共生体,对荒漠植被的恢复和演替具有重要意义。目前针对不同类型BSC的AMF群落结构及其多样性研究较少,限制了AMF群落对BSC发育的作用和对荒漠生态系统贡献的理解。利用高通量测序技术,对腾格里沙漠东南缘沙坡头固沙植被区地衣和藓类结皮及其下层土壤AMF群落组成与多样性进行研究,分析不同结皮类型AMF群落结构的差异。结果发现,AMF群落丰富度和多样性表现为:藓类结皮下层土壤地衣结皮下层土壤藓类结皮地衣结皮。地衣和藓类结皮及其下层土壤AMF均属于球囊菌门、球囊菌纲,以球囊霉属、类球囊霉属、盾巨孢囊霉属、巨孢囊霉属和一种未分类属为优势,且地衣和藓类结皮AMF群落在属水平差异显著。主成分分析结果显示,藓类结皮下层土壤中AMF群落物种组成与其他各组有显著差异,表明随着结皮的发育,AMF群落多样性增加,结皮演替与AMF群落多样性之间具有相互促进的作用。     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the Brazilian Atlantic forest: A gradient of environmental restoration

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are of great importance for the successful regeneration of degraded natural areas. The objective of this study was to examine how the time of environmental recuperation is affecting the occurrence and diversity of AMF species in riparian areas belonging to the Atlantic Forest biome in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The study involved a native forest area (NT) and a gradient of environmental restoration: five (R05), ten (R10), and twenty (R20) years after reforestation. Soil samples were collected in the rainy (January) and dry season (June). Chemical, physical and microbiological analyses were performed including the amount of glomalin and quantification of AMF spores. The frequency of occurrence of genera and ecological indices, as richness (R), Shannon's diversity (H) and Simpson's dominance index (Is) were calculated. The largest spore number was found in R05 and the highest richness and diversity indices of AMF species in NT. Considering the two sampling periods and the four areas studied, we found 22 AMF species, and the genera Glomus and Acaulospora were the most frequent. A Canonical Discriminant Analysis showed that Glomus viscosum, Acaulospora scrobiculata, Acaulospora mellea and Scutellospora heterogama were the species that contributed the most to distinguishing the areas. Moisture, density and glomalin were positively correlated with the number of spores, however, soil nitrate showed a negative correlation. This work gives a better understanding of the interactions between AMF and forest soils and allows to know the distribution of AMF species according to environmental recovery time.     

Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi along an environmental gradient in the Brazilian semiarid

Plants host, environmental characteristics and dispersal limitation are the main factors affecting the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in global scale, whereas at the local scale other factors might also influence the composition of the AMF community. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the diversity of AMF and to relate it with the richness of plant species, season (dry or rainy) and soil parameters along an environmental gradient to know which are the drivers of the spatial distribution of AMF in the Brazilian semiarid. The gradient was composed of a dry forest (DF), a transitional zone (TZ) and a moist forest (MF). Ten soil samples were collected during the rainy (August 2011) and dry (February 2012) seasons in each site. The soil properties were determined, as well as AMF diversity, the latter based on morphological spore identification. There were significant differences between the DF and the other two areas in most soil chemical parameters, whereas the majority of soil attributes in the MF and TZ were similar. Altogether, 50 AMF species were identified, and the genera Acaulospora and Glomus were predominant. The AMF community structure in DF was significantly different from the other two areas by ordination (NMDS) and statistical method (PERMANOVA). However, the highest species diversity, based on the Shannon index, occurred in the TZ. The AMF community structure differed between seasons, with greater spore abundance in the dry season. Spatial AMF distribution was influenced by plants host, season, but the soil was the main factor. Four edaphic attributes showed approximately 60% of correlation with AMF community composition (Zn, Mg, base saturation and clay) based on the BIO-ENV analysis. We conclude that vegetation, seasonal variations and soil type affect the AMF diversity, and that the latter is a key factor for the similarity/dissimilarity of AMF communities between areas in the Brazilian semiarid.     

长期保护性耕作对丛枝菌根真菌多样性的影响

为了明确我国北方干旱地区长期保护性耕作以及深松对丛枝菌根真菌(AMF)多样性的影响,笔者于2014年在山西省临汾市连续22年实施保护性耕作的长期定位试验基地,针对免耕覆盖(NTS)、深松免耕覆盖(SNTS)及传统耕作(TT)3种处理方式,进行了不同耕作条件下土壤AMF物种丰度、孢子密度、Shannon多样性指数以及AMF侵染率等因素的比较研究。结果显示,长期保护性耕作(NTS和SNTS)共分离鉴定出AMF 7属9种,其中根孢囊霉属(Rhizophagus)和斗管囊霉属(Funneliformis)各2种,球囊霉属(Glomus)、近明球囊霉属(Claroideoglomus)、无梗囊霉属(Acaulospora)、硬囊霉属(Sclerocystis)和隔球囊霉属(Septoglomus)各1种;而传统耕作(TT)共分离鉴定出AMF 6属8种,没有检测到无梗囊霉属。NTS、SNTS和TT处理在不同土层的AMF优势种基本一致,0~40 cm土层为摩西斗管囊霉(Fu.mosseae)和变形球囊霉(G.versiforme),40~80 cm土层为摩西斗管囊霉、变形球囊霉和聚丛根孢囊霉(Rh.aggregatum),80~120 cm土层为聚丛根孢囊霉,120 cm土层以下只有NTS和SNTS处理中存在聚丛根孢囊霉,说明保护性耕作措施促进了AMF向土壤深层发展。NTS和SNTS处理在同一土层的AMF物种丰度、孢子密度和Shannon多样性指数均高于TT处理,SNTS处理高于NTS处理。同一耕作措施不同土层的AMF物种丰度、孢子密度和Shannon多样性指数均随土层加深而逐渐降低;NTS和SNTS处理在小麦各生育期的丛枝侵染率和孢子密度均高于TT处理;各处理在小麦拔节期的AMF侵染率最高,分别为14.9%、16.1%和10.6%,而在收获期的土壤孢子密度最高,分别为111.7个·(100g)~(-1)、125.0个·(100g)~(-1)和90.3个·(100g)~(-1)。研究认为,长期免耕覆盖、尤其深松免耕覆盖,提高了AMF多样性。该研究结果可为中国北方旱作农田生态系统中AMF自然潜力的充分发挥,以及保护性耕作技术的合理应用提供科学依据。     

Differential growth response of Curculigo orchioides to native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities varying in number and fungal components

The study reports diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) species in the rhizosphere of an endangered anticancerous herb – Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. in its natural habitat. A total of 18 species of AMF, belonging to three genera (Acaulospora, Glomus and Gigaspora) were recorded, with Glomus microcarpum being the most abundant species type. The AMF species composition across the study sites appeared to be influenced by soil pH rather than soil P and vegetation. Acaulospora laevis spores were restricted to sites where the soil pH was acidic. The effectiveness of these native AMF species on growth performance of C. orchioides plants was compared under experimental conditions. In general, the mycorrhizal plants were superior in most of the evaluated parameters, but the extent to which the growth of mycorrhizal plants was influenced varied with the inocula used. The plants inoculated with mixed consortia containing maximum AMF species richness exhibited improved growth in comparison to consortia containing lower AMF diversity and monospecies cultures. The variable plant responses observed with any two consortia having same species richness in the present study could be due to variable component AMF species and their relative abundance. These results emphasize the need to protect the below-ground diversity of AMF and recommend their usage for restoration practices.     

Distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores in soils of smallholder agroforestry and monocultural coffee systems in southwestern Ethiopia

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are associated with the root system of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) plants, but their distribution in smallholder agroforestry and monocultural coffee systems is not well known. This study investigates the spatial distribution of AMF spores in a field study in southwestern Ethiopia. Soil samples from different depths (0–50 cm) were collected under the tree canopies of Acacia abyssinica, Albizia gummifera, Ficus sur, Ficus vasta and randomly selected unshaded coffee plants at different sampling points (canopy base, radius, edge and outside canopy). Significantly higher AMF spore densities were recorded at canopy bases and at 0–30 cm soil depth. Spore populations were found to belong to five genera: Acaulospora, Entrophospora, Glomus, Gigaspora and Scutellospora, with Glomus and Acaulospora dominating. Sampling points, sites and depths, shade tree species and shade tree/coffee plant age affected AMF spore density. Agroforestry practices including the use of leguminous shade trees effectively maintained AMF numbers in soils even at depth compared with unshaded coffee plants (monocultures).     

矿区土壤丛枝菌根真菌对采陷时间序列的响应

煤炭井工开釆造成大面积的地表塌陷,破坏了原有地表植被、土壤结构和地貌,影响土壤微生物群落结构和组成。为了研究井工矿开釆沉陷区丛枝菌根真菌（AMF）多样性与开采时间序列的相关性,本文以补连塔矿区不同开采年份的采煤沉陷区作为样地,以AMF和土壤因子为研究对象,探索随着采煤沉陷时间的延续,AMF物种多样性、种群结构变化规律及其与土壤理化性质的相关性。结果显示,研究区土壤中共有AMF 5属12种,Glomus属种为优势种群,Acaulospora属种为常见种群。不同年份采陷样地中分离到的AMF种类数不同,且属种分布具有差异性。随着采陷时间的增加,AMF多样性没有呈现规律性的变化。但是,开采时间与土壤含水量、pH值、碱解氮呈极显著负相关（P < 0.01）,与速效钾呈极显著正相关（P < 0.01）;AMF孢子密度与土壤碱性磷酸酶活性显著正相关（P < 0.05）,物种丰富度与土壤含水量呈极显著负相关（P < 0.01）,AMF多样性与土壤含水量呈显著负相关（P < 0.05）,与速效钾、碱解氮呈显著正相关（P < 0.05）。因此,开采时间影响部分土壤理化性质,进而影响AMF多样性。本文结果有助于了解采煤沉陷后土壤及相关微生物的变化动态,为矿区植被恢复与土壤修复提供理论依据。     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal dynamics under Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. in Thar Desert

The temporal and spatial dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were investigated in Indian Thar Desert. Soil samples under Mitragyna parvifolia were collected from July 2003 to June 2004. AMF colonization and spore density were used to compare the responses of AMF to different abiotic parameters. The mean percent colonization and spore density of AMF reached maximal values in rainy and summer seasons, respectively. Vesicular and hyphal colonizations were positively correlated with soil organic carbon content. AMF spore density was positively correlated with soil pH and negatively correlated with Olsen P content. A high Shannon–Weiner diversity index of AMF was observed in Thar Desert. A total of fifteen AMF species were associated with M. parvifolia. Percent spore density and species richness suggest that the genus Glomus was the predominant AMF under Thar Desert environment. The reasons for the observed variations are discussed.     

Diversity patterns of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with rhizosphere of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) in Benin,West Africa

Assessment of diversity and understanding factors underlying species distribution are fundamental themes in ecology. However, the diversity of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species in African tropical agro-ecosystems remains weakly known. This research was carried out to assess the morphological diversity of indigenous AMF species associated with rhizosphere of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) in different agro-ecological zones (AEZ) of Benin and to examine the effects of soil chemical properties, climatic factors and agricultural practices on this diversity. Results showed that, in Benin, cowpea was grown by farmers in very exhausted soils, where available phosphorus and potassium were deficient. The indigenous AMF spore density was on average 202 spores per 100 g dry soil and there was no difference in the density among the agro-ecological zones (P = 0.56). Fifteen AMF morphospecies belonging to eight genera (Gigaspora, Scutellospora, Racocetra, Acaulospora, Funneliformis, Rhizophagus, Glomus and Claroideoglomus) were detected. The computed species richness estimators indicated that a limited number of additional undetected morphospecies are probably present in cowpea fields. According to analysis of similarity (ANOSIM), the arbuscular mycorrhizas community composition of the Sudanian zone and Guinean zone were not significantly different (r = −0.01; P = 0.517). The diversity of AMF morphospecies in the fields was weak with prevalence of Glomeraceae (92%). Furthermore, AMF diversity and evenness indices were negatively correlated with annual rainfall (P < 0.01) and with available phosphorus (P < 0.05). However, no significant correlation was observed between AMF diversity indices and soil organic carbon. Ultimately, this study tends to confirm that soil management practices (tillage, soil disturbance) have negative effect on AMF diversity.     

The application of an organic amendment modifies the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities colonizing native seedlings grown in a heavy-metal-polluted soil

A mesocosm experiment was conducted to investigate whether communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi associated with roots of native (Piptatherum miliaceum, Retama sphaerocarpa, Psoralea bituminosa, Coronilla juncea, and Anthyllis cytisoides) and for comparison (Lolium perenne) seedlings in a heavy-metal-contaminated, semiarid soil were affected by the application of composted sugar beet waste. We also investigated whether there were relation between AMF diversity and metal concentration (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) and total P in shoot as well as some soil parameters (total organic carbon and total N) when the SB waste was added to the soil. We analyzed a portion of approximately 795 base pairs of the small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene by nested PCR, cloning, sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. Twelve different AMF sequence types were distinguished: seven of these belonged to Glomus group A, one to Glomus group B, one to Diversispora, one to Archaeospora, and two to Paraglomus. The AM fungal populations colonizing roots in a heavy-metal-polluted soil were quite dependent on the host plant, the highest diversity values being obtained in authochtonous plants recognized as metallophytes, such as P. bituminosa, and in an allochtonous, invasive species (L. perenne). No significant correlation was found between AMF diversity and plant metal concentration and soil parameters. Excepting P. bituminosa, when sugar beet waste was added to soil, the populations of AM fungi in roots increased and the shoot metal concentrations decreased in all host plant species studied. Therefore, the addition of sugar beet waste can be considered a good strategy for the remediation and/or phytostabilization of mine tailing sites.