西藏高原草地植物AM真菌多样性及其环境影响因子研究

于西藏高原草地植物根围土壤共分离到5属丛枝菌根(AM)真菌。总体而言,各属孢子密度、分离频度、相对多度和重要值呈Glomus>Acaulospora>Gigaspora>Scutellospora>Entrophospora;Glomus的优势属地位极为突出,Acaulospora和Gigaspora、Scutellospora分属于最常见属和常见属,Entrophospora则为稀有属。其中,Gigaspora,特别是Glomus、Acaulospora分布广泛,Scutellospora、Entrophospora则仅见于高寒草甸。不同环境与土壤条件下,尽管AM真菌多样性明显不同,但各属孢子密度、分离频度、相对多度和重要值的差异基本同上述趋势,仅高寒草甸等个别环境中Acaulospora的优势较为明显。不同草地类型、土壤质地条件下,寄主植物根围土壤AM真菌属的多样性呈高寒草甸>山地灌丛草原>草甸,壤土>砂壤土、极重砂土>轻砂土;土壤pH6·0~6·7、有效磷5·3~13·8mgkg-1、有机质35·7~54·6gkg-1范围内,AM真菌属的多样性均较丰富。AM真菌对沙生苔草(Carexpraecpara)、矮生嵩草(Kobresiahumilis)、扁穗莎草(Cyperuscompressus)等莎草科植物根系侵染良好,蓼科植物荞麦(Fagopyrumesculentum)则不被侵染。     

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。     

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。     

不同氮磷比例营养液对AM真菌生长发育的影响

温室条件下,研究不同氮磷比例营养液对丛枝菌根(Arbuscular.mycorrhizae,AM)真菌(Glomus.mosseae)生长发育的影响。结果表明:在一定磷水平条件下增加氮的水平,有利于菌根真菌的生长发育,但超过一定水平则会抑制菌根真菌的生长发育,说明氮水平也会影响菌根真菌的生长发育,这种影响与氮磷比例有关。综合比较菌根长度、根外菌丝量及孢子数三项指标,在20%浓度Hoagland营养液的基础上,将氮磷比例提高到4∶2有利真菌生长。在AM菌剂生产中,通过营养液中氮磷比例的调控能获得较大数量的侵染根段、菌丝及孢子等繁殖体。     

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。     

接种丛枝菌根真菌对脱毒马铃薯微型薯生长及产量的影响

在大田条件下采用混合菌种(Glomus mosseas+Glomus intraradices)作为接种剂,研究了接种丛枝菌根真菌对脱毒马铃薯微型薯菌根侵染、磷吸收和产量的影响。结果表明,接种菌根真菌,马铃薯菌根侵染率增加73.3%,植株吸磷量增加15.4%,块茎产量增加8.0%。上述结果证明,在大田条件下,接种菌根真菌能侵染马铃薯根部,促进植株对磷的吸收,从而增加产量。     

不同状态高寒草原主要土壤活性有机碳组分的变化

对藏北高原正常、轻度和严重退化高寒草原表层(0 ～ 10 cm)、亚表层(10～20 cm)活性有机碳(Active soil organic carbon,ASOC)主要组分变化,以及土壤微生物对ASOC的影响进行了研究,结果表明:(1)易氧化有机碳(Readily oxidizable organic carbon,ROC)、微生物生物量碳(Microbial biomass carbon,MBC)、轻组有机碳(Light fraction organic carbon,LFOC)和水溶性有机碳(Water-soluble organic carbon,WSOC)对土壤环境变化的敏感度显著不同,平均分配比率分别为11.10％、0.57％、0.04％和0.03％,高原寒旱环境对WSOC、LFOC的形成与积累极为不利.(2)不同状态高寒草原亚表层ASOC各组分含量均显著高于表层;与正常草原ASOC各组分含量相比,退化草原表层、亚表层分呈小幅增加和大幅下降,但轻度退化草原变化幅度大于严重退化草原;因此,0～20 cm土层ASOC各组分含量均呈正常草原＞严重退化草原＞轻度退化草原.(3)不同状态草原中,纤维素分解酶活性对ASOC组分的形成均具极显著(R2:0.731 ～0.960)的促进作用,土壤放线菌、真菌对纤维素分解酶活性(Cellulolytic enzyme activity,CEA)则具有较大影响.(4)草原严重退化阶段,土壤微生物可能已完成向抗逆能力、纤维素分解酶分泌能力更强生理种群的演替,其相对较高的SOC、ASOC含量表征着土壤有机残体的较大消耗.     

丛枝菌根真菌对羊草δ13C组成和气体交换的影响

采用盆栽方法研究接种丛枝菌根真菌Glomus intraradices和Glomus claroidum对内蒙古典型草原优势种羊草（Leymus chinensis）δ^13C组成和气体交换的影响。羊草生长45、60和75d的测定结果表明,接种菌根真菌能提高羊草的含磷量和植株叶片气孔导度及光合速率,但对植株内在水分利用效率和δ^13C值无显著影响。     

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。     

秸秆还田方式对丛枝菌根真菌群落和玉米磷素利用的影响

丛枝菌根真菌（arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi,AMF）与80%左右的植物可形成共生结构,在农田生态系统中对植物—土壤系统养分循环起重要作用。为改善我国南方典型瘠薄红壤加速酸化、磷有效性低和土壤生物功能退化等严重问题,采用高通量测序技术揭示秸秆还田方式对根际AMF群落、土壤磷酸酶活性和磷素利用率的作用机制。结果表明,不同秸秆还田方式显著影响土壤理化性质,其中秸秆猪粪配施处理显著提升有机碳（SOC）、全氮（TN）、全磷（TP）、有效磷（AP）以及酸性磷酸酶（acid phosphomonoesterase,ACP）和碱性磷酸酶（alkaline phosphomonoesterase,ALP）活性。秸秆还田显著影响AMF多样性和群落结构,球囊霉属（Glomus）和类球囊霉属（Paraglomus）是AMF群落的优势属,SOC是影响AMF多样性和群落结构的关键因子。秸秆猪粪配施处理对玉米磷素利用率的提升效果最佳,显著高于秸秆还田和秸秆生物质炭处理。AP、TP、ACP活性和AMF群落多样性显著影响了磷肥利用率。不同秸秆还田方式下根际AMF群落可能调控了土壤磷素活化过程...     

Molecular diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with an Mn hyperaccumulator—Phytolacca americana,in Mn mining area

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have great potential for assisting metal-hyperaccumulating plants in the remediation of contaminated soils. However, little information is available about the symbiosis and community composition of AMF associated with manganese (Mn) hyperaccumulator, such as Phytolacca americana, growing on Mn-contaminated soils under natural conditions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze AMF diversity and community composition in P. americana roots growing at an Mn mining site. Molecular techniques were used to analyze AMF community composition and phylogenetic relationship in P. americana roots sampled from three Mn mine spoils and one adjacent reference areas. Results obtained showed that mycorrhizal symbionts successfully established even in the most heavily Mn-polluted sites. Root colonization and AMF diversity were significantly negatively correlated with total and extractable Mn concentrations. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that Mn contamination impacted AMF diversity, and shaped AMF community structure. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that all species were affiliated with Glomus, suggesting that Glomus was the dominant genus in this AMF community. Some unique sequences that occurred exclusively in heavily polluted sites associated with P. americana may belong to symbiotic fungi with great potential for improving the phytoremediation efficiency of Mn-contaminated soils.     

Inhibition of colonization by a native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community via Populus trichocarpa litter,litter extract,and soluble phenolic compounds

Controls on the colonization and abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in ecosystems are little understood and may be related to host factors, the fungal community, and soil physio-chemical properties; and changes in these variables during soil development may affect succession between mycorrhizal groups. Here we investigated the effects of litter, litter leachates, and common soluble phenolic compounds on AMF colonization of roots. In previous studies, we observed a negative correlation between increases in black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) litter and AMF abundance and inoculum potential along a riparian chronosequence in northwest Montana. From this, we hypothesized that litter inputs negatively affect the native AMF community and may contribute to the shift between AMF and ectomycorrhizas. We tested the effects of cottonwood foliage and litter extract additions on the colonization of AMF of both cottonwood and Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanese) seedlings. Addition of 5% (v/v) dried cottonwood leaves completely inhibited AMF colonization of S. sudanese. AMF colonization of S. sudanese was significantly reduced by litter extract of P. trichocarpa foliage, and colonization was negatively correlated with litter extract concentrations. Additions of aqueous litter extract significantly reduced AMF colonization of cottonwood seedlings as well. The effect of the litter extract on AMF colonization of S. sudanese did not appear to be mediated by changes in soil pH or plant biomass. Available phosphorus was higher in soil receiving highest concentration of litter extract, but not at a level expected to be inhibitory to AMF colonization. Litter additions significantly increased total soil phenolics, but with a range similar to natural soils of the Nyack floodplain. We tested pure soluble phenolic compounds common to Populus for their effect on AMF colonization by native fungi from the Nyack floodplain. All tested compounds significantly reduced AMF colonization but did not affect colonization by non-AMF root-colonizing fungi. This suggests secondary compounds present in cottonwood litter can affect colonization ability of a native AMF community. The potential mechanisms of inhibition and the relevance of these findings to AMF succession within both a single host and soil are discussed.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi respond to rhizobial inoculation and cropping systems in farmers' fields in the Guinea savanna

 It has been difficult to explain the rotation effect based solely on N availability in maize-soybean cropping systems in the moist savanna zone of sub-Saharan Africa. Although arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can contribute to plant growth by reducing stresses resulting from other nutrient deficiencies (mainly P) and drought, their role in the maize/soybean rotation cropping systems in the Guinea savanna has not yet been determined. Pot and field experiments were conducted for 2 years using 13 farmers' fields with different cropping histories in two agroecological zones (Zaria, northern Guinea savanna and Zonkwa, southern Guinea savanna) in Nigeria. We quantified the influence of cropping systems and rhizobial inoculation on plant growth, mycorrhizal colonization and diversity of promiscuous soybean and maize grown in rotation. The relationships between these variables and selected soil characteristics in farmers' fields were also examined. Percentage mycorrhizal colonization in promiscuous soybean roots ranged from 7% to 36%, while in maize it varied between 17% and 33%, depending on fields and the previous cropping history. A large variation was also observed for mycorrhizal spores, but these were not correlated with mycorrhizal colonization and did not appear to be influenced by rotation systems. Soybean mycorrhizal colonization was higher (13% increase) in Zonkwa, but not in Zaria, if the preceding crop was maize and not soybean. These differences were related to the soil P concentration, which was positively related to mycorrhizal colonization in Zonkwa but negatively to this parameter in Zaria. The previous crop did not affect mycorrhizal colonization of maize in both locations. Soybean cultivars inoculated with rhizobia had a higher mycorrhizal colonization rate (25%) and more AMF species than maize or uninoculated soybean (19%). Maize grown in plots previously under inoculated soybean also had higher percentage mycorrhizal colonization than when grown after uninoculated soybean and maize. Four AMF genera comprising 29 species were observed at Zaria and Zonkwa. Glomus was the dominant genus (56%) followed by Gigaspora (26%) and Acaulospora (14%). The genus Sclerocystis was the least represented (4%). Received: 28 October 1998     

Species composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in two mountain meadows with differing management types and levels of plant biodiversity

Species composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) was analysed in two differently managed mountain grasslands in Thuringia (Germany). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were studied in the roots of 18 dominant plant species from a total of 56 (32%). Additionally, spores of AMF were isolated from soil samples. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi species composition was analysed based on 96 sequences of the internal transcribed spacer of the nuclear ribosomal DNA, 72 originated from mycorrhizal roots, and 24 originated from AMF spores. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a total of 19 AMF species representing all genera of the Glomeromycota except Scutellospora and Pacispora. Despite a different farming intensity, resulting in remarkable differences concerning their plant species diversity (27 against 43 plant species), the diversity of AMF was found to be similar with 11 species on the intensively farmed meadow and ten species on the extensively farmed one. Nevertheless, species composition between both sites was clearly different. It thus seems likely that the AMF species composition, but not necessarily the species number, is related to above ground plant biodiversity in the system under study.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in northern Greece and influence of soil resources on their colonization

Abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the roots of plant species was assessed in two areas in Greece in a 4-year study (2004–2007). The field experiment was conducted in a mountainous and herbaceous grassland in Greece in which both nitrogen (N)- and phosphorus (P)-limited plant community productivity. In 2006, data were also collected from a pot experiment in which 14 herbaceous plant species were grown as monocultures in P-limited soil. A factorial design of two levels of N and P was established in the mountainous field to test plant response to nutrient additions with respect to AMF colonization levels. Effects of fungicides were also investigated over year in the pot experiment and over three years in the field experiment. In addition, the effect of irrigation on AMF colonization was determined in a 1-year field study. Measurements included estimating the level of plant species specific hyphal colonization of roots according to the McGonicle et al. [McGonigle, T.P., Miller, M.H., Evans, D.G., Fairchild, D.L., Swan, J.A., 1990. A new method which gives an objective measure of colonization of roots by vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. New Phytol. 115, 495–501] method. AMF colonization was highest in the leguminous species, intermediate in the forbs and lowest in the grasses. AMF responses to N and P additions were not uniform. P addition in the field experiment increased the colonization level of the high P demanding annual forb (non-leguminous dicot) Galium lucidum, decreased hyphal abundance of the forb Plantago lanceolata and the grass Agrostis capillaris, and appeared to have a negligible effect on the forb Prunella vulgaris and on leguminous species. Effects of N addition were influenced by P addition and were only significant in plots not enriched with P where N addition increased the AMF colonization. Irrigation increased colonization of the tested species A. capillaris and P. lanceolata but only significantly increased that of P. lanceolata. There was interannual variation in the effects of fungicides on AMF colonization, which was partly due to differences in the active ingredient and formulation used. Among the tested species, A. capillaris was the most susceptible to fungicides.     

Herbivory of an invasive slug in a model grassland community can be affected by earthworms and mycorrhizal fungi

Invasion of non-native species is among the top threats for the biodiversity and functioning of native and agricultural ecosystems worldwide. We investigated whether the herbivory of the slug Arion vulgaris (formerly Arion lusitanicus; Gastropoda), that is listed among the 100 worst alien species in Europe, is affected by soil organisms commonly present in terrestrial ecosystems (i.e. earthworms—Annelida: Lumbricidae and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi—AMF, Glomerales). We hypothesized that slug herbivory would be affected by soil organisms via altered plant nutrient availability and plant quality. In a greenhouse experiment, we created a simple plant community consisting of a grass, a forb, and a legume species and inoculated these systems with either two earthworm species and/or four AMF taxa. Slugs were introduced after plants were established. Earthworms significantly reduced total slug herbivory in AMF-inoculated plant communities (P?=?0.013). Across plant species, earthworms increased leaf total N and secondary metabolites, AMF decreased leaf thickness. Mycorrhizae induced a shift in slug feeding preference from non-legumes to legumes; the grass was generally avoided by slugs. AMF effects on legume herbivory can partly be explained by the AMF-induced increase in total N and decrease in C/N ratio; earthworm effects are less clear as no worm-induced alterations of legume plant chemistry were observed. The presence of earthworms increased average AMF colonization of plant roots by 140 % (P?<?0.001). Total shoot mass was significantly increased by AMF (P?<?0.001). These data suggest that the feeding behavior of this invasive slug is altered by a belowground control of plant chemical quality and community structure.     

Morphological and molecular characterization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities inhabiting the roots and the soil of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) under different agricultural management practices

Crocus sativus L. cultivation is expanding to areas with low soil fertility, where mycorrhizal fungi are supposed to be essential for plants growth and ecosystems functioning. Agricultural practices applied under these conditions should lead to good saffron productivity and quality. Our objective was to study the density and diversity of mycorrhizal fungi populations associated with saffron grown in Taliouine (Morocco) under different agricultural management practices (fertilization type, age and plantation method). Morpho-anatomical studies identified rhizospheric mycorrhizal spores and assessed root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Molecular identification of AMF was realized by sequencing the Large Subunit (LSU) rDNA gene region. Among the eleven species of AMF spores identified, Funneliformis and Rhizoglomus species were the most abundant (> 35%). Modern saffron plantation showed higher roots colonization rates (mycorrhization intensity (100%) and frequency (51.6%)), while in traditional plantations lower mycorrhization frequency values were found (17.4%). LSU sequencing identified five AMF genera and three unknown genomic groups, whereas Shannon diversity index indicated that AMF community composition changed significantly according to plantation age and fertilization type. Our results contribute to a better knowledge of saffron AMF communities and open new perspectives for a rational utilization of the agricultural practices for organic saffron production.     

Colonization, ALP activity and plant growth promotion of native and exotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi at low pH

Soil acidity can affect arbuscular mucorrhizal fungi (AMF) in many aspects. In this study, by inoculating white clover (Trifolium ripens L.) with AMF at two pH levels (pH 5.0 and 6.0), we investigated the influences of low pH on the colonization, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and promoting effect of AMF, and also compared the different responses of native AMF community and exotic species (Gigaspora margarita) to low pH. PCR-DGGE profiles revealed the obvious difference in native AMF community structure between low and high pH. Compared to low pH, high pH decreased the total and vesicle colonization, external hyphae length density of native AMF, but exerted no effect on those of exotic AMF. For both native and exotic AMF, high pH enhanced the proportions of arbuscule and fungal structure with ALP activity in colonized roots. Both native and exotic AMF promoted the shoot biomass, with greater increase at low pH than at high pH. Plant growth was more dependent on exotic AMF than on native AMF at both pH levels. The same trends were observed in P uptake as in biomass. Our study suggested that the increase in pH can exert inhibitory effects on AMF species native to acidic soil, including ecological (community structure), functional (ALP activity) and developmental (hyphal length, vesicle and arbuscule percentage, total colonization) aspects, but have no effect on exotic species in the present experiment.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal root colonization and soil P availability are positively related to agrodiversity in Mexican maize polycultures

In Los Tuxtlas, Mexico, the local Popoluca people maintain the traditional management of their maize agroecosystems. However, it is not known whether the loss of agrodiversity over recent decades has affected mycorrhizal populations, nutrient availability, and crop productivity. This study utilized linear mixed effect models to analyze the relationship between agrodiversity (three, six, and greater than or equal to eight cultivated species) and (a) arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculum potential, measured as the most probable number (MPN) of propagules and colonization level, (b) nutrient availability, and (c) aboveground maize productivity. We also investigated the relationship between soil nutrient content and inoculum potential. Soil samples were taken before planting, and during flowering, in the 2009 maize cycle. We found that AMF colonization level of maize roots and P availability increased with planted species richness, but that this effect only occurred at the flowering sampling date. Plots with a higher MPN of propagules presented increased C and NO ₃ ^? contents and lower C/N ratio than those with lower MPN of propagules, regardless of agrodiversity. Soils that produced the highest maize root colonization level also featured high P availability and N content. We conclude that decreased agrodiversity in these traditional systems does not significantly affect the soil MPN of propagules, but may have a negative impact on the ability of the mycorrhizal community to colonize maize roots, as well as reducing the availability of P, which is often the most limiting nutrient in tropical soils.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi diversity associated with two halophytes Lycium barbarum L. and Elaeagnus angustifolia L. in Ningxia,China

The Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community in saline soils of Ningxia, China, was rarely reported. Soils in the rhizosphere of two important food plants, Lycium barbarum L. (Goji) and Elaeagnus angustifolia L. (Oleaster), were sampled from Ningxia (Goji from Huinong, HNGQ; Goji from Yinchuan, YCGQ; Oleaster from Yinchuan, YCSZ) to investigate the AMF community. Thirty-three AMF species from 11 genera were identified in total. The dominant family and genera were Glomeraceae, Acaulospora and Glomus, respectively. Septoglomus constrictum was the most abundant species. The AMF community composition of Goji was different from that of Oleaster (R = 0.26, p < 0.05), while the AMF community from Huinong differed from Yinchuan (R = 1.0, p = 0.01). These findings suggest a high AMF diversity in Ningxia saline soils and the effect of host plant identity on AMF community composition. Furthermore, the AMF diversity index positively correlated with available potassium (AK), available phosphorus (AP), available nitrogen (AN) and organic matter (OM), but negatively correlated with electric conductivity (EC). This result demonstrated that a high level of salinity might reduce soil fertility and AMF diversity. The saline area with high diversity of the AMF community in Ningxia is promising for screening AMF isolates for utilization in crop production.