A multivariate analysis of element concentrations in Sphagnum magellanicum Brid. in the Maritime Provinces,Canada

The concentrations of 14 elements (Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, N, Na, Ni, Ph, S, Zn) were measured in Sphagnum magellanicum Brid. collected from 61 ombrotrophic bog sites in the Maritime Provinces, Canada. Principal component analysis was used to explain the variability in element concentrations in terms of underlying biological or source variables. Fifty percent of the elements and 77% of the variation measured can be accounted for by six principal components. Components relating to the physiological-nutritional status of the plants, and the sources of inputs for the most important elements were explained. It is suggested that concentration of K in Sphagnum magellanicum can be used as an indicator of plant nutritional status, and that concentrations of Na, Ni and Fe can be used as indicators of atmospheric inputs from sea salt aerosols, fossil fuel combustion, and natural crustal or soil-derived lithophile elements, respectively. Sulphur concentrations in S. magellanicum did not provide an accurate measure of long-range or local anthropogenic input.     

模拟干旱和盐碱胁迫对碱蓬、盐地碱蓬种子萌发的影响

为研究干旱和盐碱胁迫对碱蓬(Suaeda glauca)、盐地碱蓬(Suaeda salsa)种子萌发的影响,比较碱蓬和盐地碱蓬逆境生理特性的异同,本研究利用PEG6000、NaCl和Na_2CO_3分别模拟干旱、盐和碱胁迫,配制相同渗透势的PEG6000、NaCl、Na_2CO_3处理液,以蒸馏水处理为对照,对碱蓬、盐地碱蓬种子的萌发与胚的生长进行比较研究。结果表明:1)低渗处理(-0.46 MPa)对碱蓬、盐地碱蓬种子的萌发无显著影响;高渗处理(-1.38MPa、-1.84 MPa)抑制碱蓬、盐地碱蓬种子的萌发。2)当溶液渗透势相等时,NaCl处理下碱蓬种子的萌发率显著大于PEG、Na_2CO_3处理;而等渗PEG、NaCl、Na_2CO_3处理对盐地碱蓬种子萌发率的影响无显著差异。3)PEG、NaCl、Na_2CO_3处理组碱蓬、盐地碱蓬种子的最终萌发率与对照无显著差异。4)在幼苗形成阶段,PEG、Na_2CO_3处理对碱蓬、盐地碱蓬胚的抑制作用显著大于等渗NaCl处理。5)碱蓬、盐地碱蓬胚的生长对NaCl、Na_2CO_3胁迫的响应存在差异。-0.92 MPa NaCl处理抑制碱蓬胚的生长,却对盐地碱蓬产生促进作用;-0.46 MPa Na_2CO_3处理对碱蓬胚的抑制作用小于盐地碱蓬。综合分析表明:碱蓬、盐地碱蓬均具有很强的抗盐性。在种子萌发阶段,碱蓬种子的抗旱、抗碱能力低于盐地碱蓬;在幼苗形成阶段,碱蓬胚的抗盐性小于盐地碱蓬,但对轻度碱胁迫的抗性高于盐地碱蓬。     

Adaptive strategy of six native herbaceous species growing over the whole region of Mt. Daisen: characteristics of N,P, K,Ca, and Mg accumulation in leaves

The number of native species growing at all altitudes on Mt. Daisen, which is the highest mountain in the Chugoku District of Japan, is seven. Since soil physical and chemical properties and climate vary due to differences of elevation and habitat, it is logical to assume that they have an adaptive strategy to cope with such changes in the environment. To understand the growth strategy in these species, in the period from July 26 to October 17, 2007, leaves of six herbaceous species (Athyrium vidalii (Fr. et Sav.) Nakai, Carex foliosissima Fr. Schm., Aruncus dioicus (Walt.) Fern., Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc., Artemisia princeps Pamp., and Plantago asiatica L.) were sampled at the different altitudes [Site A; 850?m, Site B; 1200?m, Site C; 1500?m above sea level (a.s.l.)] and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations were determined. Soil chemical properties at sampling day and air and soil temperature during sampling periods at each site were also measured. As a result, we could classify adaptive strategies to the environment for those six species into three types. Type I: mineral accumulation in leaves depends on the habitat and is affected by growing environment with the exception of soil mineral concentration (Pteridophyta, A. vidalii). Type II: mineral accumulation in leaves hardly depends on the habitat and the autonomy of mineral absorption is high, although Ca and Mg concentrations in leaves are affected by soil mineral concentrations and cumulative air temperature (Magnoliophyta, monocotyledon, C. foliosissima). Type III: mineral accumulation in leaves strongly depends on the habitat and soil N concentration, but is also affected by the growing environment, and the autonomy of mineral absorption is weak (Magnoliophyta, dicotyledon, A. dioicus, P. cuspidatum, A. princeps, and P. asiatica).     

Marsh woundwort, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stachys palustris</Emphasis> L. (Lamiaceae): an overlooked food plant

The aim of this article is to study the geographical distribution and historical patterns of use of a little known root crop native to Europe—marsh woundwort Stachys palustris L. The species grows in wet grasslands and arable fields. It produces edible tubers. Both ethnographic literature and archival sources were searched. Seventeen reliable references concerning the consumption of S. palustris in southern and south–eastern Poland were found. The tubers were usually dried and powdered, and then added to soups or to bread dough. They were also eaten as raw snacks. The plant was used mainly during food shortages in spring, until the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth century, and later only as an occasional raw snack until the 1970s. Marsh woundwort was also eaten in western Ukraine (one reference). There are many references to the edibility of marsh woundwort in the eighteenth and nineteenth century European economic botany literature, particularly in Sweden and Great Britain. These publications tried to popularize the use of S. palustris as food. However, there is no firm evidence from these countries that marsh woundwort was used as food there. Marsh woundwort was also used, throughout northern and central Europe, as pig fodder and as a medicinal plant, particularly for healing wounds. Further studies on the nutritive value of this forgotten crop should be undertaken, particularly that there is little knowledge of the chemical composition of both marsh woundwort and its Asian relative Stachys affinis widely cultivated in China as a vegetable.     

Decomposition activity of peat soils in geogenous mires in Sasakami, central Japan

Decomposition rates of peat and cellulose, and oxygen consumption rates were studied in three minerotrophic peat mires in Sasakami, central Japan. These mires had differences in topography, pedology and hydrology. Two dominant vegetation types in each mire, a Sphagnum palustre–S. cuspidatum community and a Rhynchospora fauriei community, were selected as the decomposition study sites. The objective of this study was to examine how the environmental and vegetational differences in mires correlate with the activity of decomposition. Decomposition rates of peat and the rates of cellulolysis were studied in the field for 6 months. Oxygen consumption rates were measured in the field using a closed chamber equipped with an oxygen electrode. In situ peat decomposition rates showed significant differences among the three mires, whereas in situ cellulolysis rates showed significant differences between communities. Peat mass loss rates positively correlated with the nitrogen and carbon concentration of the peat. Cellulolysis rates positively correlated with the range of water table fluctuation. Oxygen consumption rates showed significant negative correlation with the averaged and minimum water table depth, and positive correlation with the range of water table fluctuation. There was a significant positive correlation between cellulolysis rates and oxygen consumption rates. These are useful parameters for evaluating how the decomposition activity in soil depends on the vegetation types and water conditions.     

Relationship between archaeal community structure and vegetation type in a fen on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

The contribution of different methanogenic precursors probably depends on vegetation in the cold Zoige peatlands. This study was carried out to elucidate the relationship between archaeal community dynamics and vegetation type over growing season. Soil samples were collected monthly during the growing season from two vegetation types (communities dominated by Carex muliensis vs. Eleocharis valleculosa) on an open fen at the Wetland National Nature Reserve of the Zoige peatlands on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Archaeal community structure was determined with terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the 16S rRNA gene fragment. Methanosarcinales, Methanosaeta, Methanomicrobiales, Methanobacteriales, uncultured RC-II, and uncultured Crenarchaeota were detected in both vegetation types. The results suggested that seasonal change affects the activity rather than the structure of the archaeal community over the growing season. Ordination analyses indicated that archaeal community composition was related to vegetation type and plant height.     

Agronomic evaluations of grass and legume forage species collected in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China and Mongolia

Because rangelands in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of thePeople's Republic of China (PRC) and Mongolia are typicallyseverely overgrazed, bilateral (U.S./ PRC, U.S./Mongolia)efforts have been initiated to expedite capture of the remaining geneticdiversity. The current study was designed to evaluate selected germplasm of thefollowing forage species collected in these threatened areas: Bromusinermis Leyss., Dactylis glomerata L.,Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Festucaovina L., Festuca rubra L., Phleumphleoides (L.) Karsten, Phleumpratense L., Poa palustris L., Poapratensis ssp. angustifolia (L.) H.Lindb., Medicago sativa ssp. falcataArcengeli, Medicago sativa L. ssp. sativa, Medicago lupulina L.,Medicago ruthenica (L.) Ledebour,Trifolium fragiferum L., Trifoliumlupinaster L., Trifolium pratense L., andTrifolium repens L. Accessions were evaluated in the fieldat Beltsville MD (USA) on an Iuka sandy loam(coarse-loamy, siliceous, acid, thermic, Aquic Udigluvent; pH6.5) in a two-year study. Comparative check cultivars were included.There was significant variation in days to 50% heading (grassspecies) or flowering (legume species), leaf texture (grassspecies), growth habit, spring vigor, and dry matter yield among accessionsof at least some genera. Accessions did not demonstrate higher diseasesusceptibility relative to check cultivars, except in the case of severalF. arundinacea and oneM. sativa ssp.falcata entries. There was no significant variation in leafshape among the legume accessions, nor were leaf shapes significantly differentfrom those of the check cultivars. Several F.ovina, F. rubra,and Poa pratensis accessions may have potential in turfgrass breeding programs. There were apparent positive relationships amongupright growth habit, spring vigor, late development, and yield.     

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Association for Growth and Nutrients Assimilation of Pharagmites japonica and Polygonum cuspidatum Plants Growing on River Bank Soil

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth, nutrient absorption, and inoculation effectiveness of AMF on pioneer plants Pharagmites japonica (C4) and Polygonum cuspidatum (C3) were evaluated by performing a pot experiment in a greenhouse at Saitama University, Japan. AMF spores were collected from the commercial product, Serakinkon. The average colonization levels of P. japonica and P. cuspidatum were 24–33% and 0.2–0.5% respectively and no colonization was found in sterilized soil treatment. AMF colonization increased the plant dry mass, phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N) concentrations of P. japonica’s roots, stems, and leaves when AMF applied with natural and sterilized soil compared with only sterilized and natural soil. This was a significant effect for N-loss minimization from soil. Maximum value showed when P. japonica was grown with natural soil in combination with AMF whereas P. cuspidatum showed very less or a negative response to AMF colonization in all cases.     

An AFLP diversity study of the genus Passiflora focusing on subgenus Tacsonia

DNA variation was studied at the intra- andinterspecific levels within the genus Passiflora, with particular emphasis on the subgenusTacsonia and its relationship with the subgenusPassiflora. AFLP fingerprints were generated for35 accessions from 21 species, 14 of which belong to subgenusTacsonia, and four to subgenusPassiflora. The morphologically intermediateP. manicata (subgenusManicata) was also included, as wereP. trinervia (subgenusPsylanthus) and P.alnifolia (subgenus Decaloba). The two latter were used as outgroup species. Twoprimer combinations generated 34–80 scorable fragments pergenotype for a total of 260 fragments. Polymorphism analyses spannedthe levels from individual genotype to section. SubgenusTacsonia presented wide genetic variability atboth intra- and interspecific levels, particularly within wildspecies. The classification based on these markers generally agreeswell with current taxonomic definitions of common species, but lesswith definitions of sections. A geographical component was evident inthe intraspecific variation of P.mixta, P.tripartita var. mollissimaand P. tarminiana, withwider variation in Ecuador and Peru than in Colombia and Venezuela.These same three species, plus P.cumbalensis, formed adjacent clusters, showingcloser affinity with each other than with the other species ofsubgenus Tacsonia. As expected, P. manicata clustered at anintermediate position between subgenera Tacsoniaand Passiflora.     

贺兰山10种典型植物固碳释氧能力研究

为探讨贺兰山典型植物固碳释氧能力,运用Li-6400XT便携式光合仪对贺兰山10种乔灌草进行了光合生理指标的测定,计算10种乔灌草不同尺度的日固碳释氧量,并分析其固碳释氧能力.结果表明:(1)青海云杉的单株叶面积、单株叶干重、叶面积指数显著高于其他植物;苔草的比叶面积最高,且呈现出草本>灌木>乔木的规律;披针叶黄华的日...     

Preservation of nitrifying capacity and nitrate availability in waterlogged soils by radial oxygen loss from roots of wetland plants

The effects of radial O₂ loss from roots on nitrification and NO _inf3 ^sup- availability were studied. Plants of the flooding-resistant species Rumex palustris and the flooding-sensitive species Rumex thyrsiflorus were grown on drained and waterlogged soils with an initially high nitrifying capacity. Nitrate reductase activity in the plant leaves was used as an indicator of NO _inf3 ^sup- availability to the plants. In a separate experiment these species were shown to have higher levels of nitrate reductase activity when NO _inf3 ^sup- was added to the soils compared to when only NH _inf4 ^sup+ was provided. In drained soils nitrification was maintained and both plant species showed relatively high nitrate reductase activities in their leaves. In the water-logged series planted with R. thyrsiflorus, nitrification was inhibited, NH _inf4 ^sup+ accumulated, and the plants grew less well compared to those on drained soils. In contrast, waterlogged soils planted with R. palustris had a redox potential high enough for O₂ to be continuously replenished. Furthermore, the nitrifying capacity of these latter soils was maintained at a high level. R. palustris grew well and NO _inf3 ^sup- must have been available to the plant, since a high level of nitrate reductase activity was observed in the leaves.     

The origin of the A genome donor of wheats (Triticum: Poaceae) – a perspective based on the sequence variation of the 5S DNA gene units

In a prior study on the haplomes of wheat using the 5S rRNA gene we assigned the long A1 and short A1 unit classes to the A haplome in the diploid T. monococcum. The short A1 unit class is absent in the tetraploids T. turgidum and T. timopheevii and in the hexaploid T. aestivum, although present in the hexaploid T. zhukovskyi. Both T. turgidum and T. aestivum contained a different 5S DNA unit class labeled the short A2.The purpose of this paper was to study the short A2 units in the two diploid species to shed light on the theory that the A haplome donor of T. turgidum and T. aestivum was T. urartu. Fifty eight clones were obtained from 12 accessions, sequenced and analyzed. As expected T. baeoticum, which is often classified as a subspecies of T. monococcum, contained the long A1 and the short A1 5S DNA units. Unexpectedly, T. urartu had the long A1 and the short G1 unit classes instead and other units not found so far in Triticum. These findings support the hypothesis that the donor of the A genome in T. zhukovskyi was T. monococcum, as identified by the short A1 units. However, the short A1 units are absent in T. timopheevii, also a carrier of the A genome. The short G1 units found in T. urartu also identify it as a possible donor of the G genome to T. timopheevii. The short G1 units were also found in T. aestivum in our prior study. The long G1 unit class was not found in T. urartu but reported from T. timopheevii and T. zhukovskyi. The implications of these and related findings on the evolution of wheats are discussed.     

Production of Intergeneric Hybrids Between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sinapis alba</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica carinata</Emphasis>

Reciprocal crosses were made between Brassica carinata and its related species Sinapis alba. Pollen germination studies indicated the presence post-fertilization barriers in both ways. Sequential ovary–ovule culture helped to realize the intergeneric hybrids from the cross S. alba × B. carinata. The F₁ obtained was confirmed as a hybrid based on morphology, cytology and isozyme studies. The hybrid was backcrossed to its male parent and obtained BC₁ seeds, which were used to raise BC₁ generation. The BC₁ generation plants were further backcrossed to B. carinata in order to develop alloplasmic lines.     

Effect of the exotic invasive plant Solidago gigantea on soil phosphorus status

Invasions by exotic plant species can modify biogeochemical cycles and soil properties. We tested whether invasion by early goldenrod (Solidago gigantea, Asteraceae) modifies soil phosphorus pools at three sites in Belgium. Aboveground phytomass and soil samples (0–10 cm) were collected in early goldenrod patches and in adjacent, uninvaded, grassland vegetation. Soil P fractions varied between the three sites in line with corresponding differences in organic matter, carbonate and clay contents. In addition to site-specific impacts, plots invaded by goldenrods generally had higher concentrations of labile P [i.e. resin-extractable inorganic P (Pi) and bicarbonate-extractable Pi and organic P]. Soil CO₂ release and alkaline and acid phosphomonoesterase activities were also higher in invaded plots, suggesting that the increase in labile Pi was due to enhanced mineralization. Phosphorus uptake by vegetation was 1.7–2.1 times higher in invaded plots, mostly due to the higher annual yield of S. gigantea. Altogether, the results indicate that S. gigantea enhances P turnover rates in invaded ecosystems.     

Isolation and identification of the most efficient plant growth-promoting bacteria associated with canola (Brassica napus)

 Thirteen of the most abundant Gram-negative bacteria which are able to grow in N-depleted culture conditions were isolated from the rhizoplane and endorhizosphere of canola (Brassica napus) and identified by 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Eight of these bacteria induced a significant increase in root dry weight ranging from 11 to 52%. Phylogenetic positioning based on 16S rDNA sequences indicated that at least four genera are represented, Pseudomonas, Variovorax, Agrobacterium and Phyllobacterium. The most important direct plant growth-promoting-rhizobacteria effect was found with both isolates belonging to the Phyllobacterium. Received: 18 April 2000     

黄土丘陵区主要植物根系对土壤有机质和团聚体的影响

植物根系是植物与土壤进行物质交换的通道,在土壤侵蚀严重、生态脆弱的黄土丘陵区,深入认识根系对土壤物理化学性质的影响具有重要意义。选取了白羊草(Bothriochloa ischaemum)、苔草(Carex lanceolata)、茭蒿(Artemisia leucophylla)、铁杆蒿(Artemisia sacrorum)、狼牙刺(Sophora viciifolia)、柠条(Caragana intermedia)6种植物作为研究对象,取0—10,10—20,20—30,30—40,40—50,50—60 cm土层根系和土样,分析不同土层各物种根长密度、根表面积密度、平均根直径、土壤有机质(SOM)、土壤容重以及各级水稳性团聚体重量百分含量。结果表明:所研究植物根系以细根为主。在0—20 cm土层中,白羊草、苔草根长密度显著大于其余植物(P0.05),表现为苔草白羊草铁杆蒿茭蒿狼牙刺柠条,平均根直径则相反。根系能不同程度地增加SOM含量,SOM含量与根系平均直径和根系表面积密度呈极显著的正相关关系(P0.01)。在土壤剖面上,水稳性团聚体重量百分含量明显减少的是白羊草、苔草和铁杆蒿样地,水稳性团聚体重量百分含量随土层深度变化不明显的是茭蒿、狼牙刺和柠条样地。根表面积、根长密度能够显著增加0.5～2 mm水稳性团聚体重量百分含量(P0.05),说明根系能够使小粒径团粒凝聚成更大粒径的土壤团粒。根系能够提高土壤有机质含量,增加中等粒径团聚体含量,改善土壤结构,提高土壤稳定性,对增加土壤抗蚀性起到重要作用。     

Salt influence on germination and seedling survival of six cool season turfgrass species

Abstract

‘Merion’ Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), ‘Pennfine’ perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), ‘Seaside’ creeping bent‐grass (Agrostis palustris Huds.), ‘Dawson’ slender creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra trichophylla (L.) Gaud.), ‘Fults’ weeping alkaligrass (Puccinellia distans (L.) Parl.), and ‘common’ Lemmon alkaligrass (Puccinellia lemmoni (Vasey) Scribn.) were evaluated for germination and seedling survival in the greenhouse and laboratory under saline conditions. Overall results indicated that weeping and Lemmon alkaligrass were superior performers under saline and/or sodic conditions. Among the remaining four species, none appeared clearly superior in overall performance.     

Behaviour of arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungi on Vigna luteola growth and its effect on the exchangeable (32P) phosphorus of soil

 The effect of the inoculation of Glomus mosseae and Scutellospora fulgida, singly or in mixed inocula, was tested on the growth and mycorrhizal characteristics of Vigna luteola. Soil depletion by mycorrhizal inoculation was determined as exchangeable ³²PO₄. Five treatments were performed: non-inoculated control (C); inoculated with a suspension of microorganisms free of mycorrhizae (M); inoculated with S. fulgida plus microorganisms (Sf+M); inoculated with G. mosseae plus microorganisms (Gm+M) and a treatment inoculated with both S. fulgida and G. mosseae plus microorganisms (Sf+Gm+M). G. mosseae was the most efficient fungus in promoting growth of V. luteola. This fungus produced higher shoot dry weight, P uptake in shoots (P_shoot) and P_shoot/arbuscules ratio than the S. fulgida inoculum, even though percent arbuscular-mycorrhizal (AM) colonization was similar for the two single AM-inoculated treatments. The highest value of isotopically exchangeable P was recorded for treatment M (P<0.05). In comparison with M, Gm+M treatment reduced the different P pools more than Sf+M treatment. C_p values were reduced to half by Gm+M and Sf+M treatments and were minimum for the combined treatment. Pools A (exchangeable phosphate between 1 min and 1 day) and B (exchangeable phosphate between 1 day and 3 months) were reduced by Gm+M treatment in contrast to Sf+M, which left them unchanged. The depression of isotopically exchangeable P for all pools obtained for the Sf+Gm+M treatment suggested that specific characteristics of fungi caused differences in P absorption, which in addition was altered by the possible interactions among them, when multiple inocula were used in a soil low in native P. Received: 29 January 1999     

Plasticity of high and low nutrient‐adapted grasses to added sulfur and nitrogen

Crop and native plants can be characterized as high and low nutrient‐adapted based on their expected response to native and applied nutrients. Our objective was to compare the plasticity of biomass allocation and tissue nutrient concentrations to added sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) across a continuum of high and low nutrient‐adapted grasses, represented by barley (Hordeum vulgare), smooth brome (Bromus inermis), bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), and Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis). In our greenhouse study, treatments included two S sources (pyrite and gypsum), at 150 and 300 kg S ha^‐1, N at 50 kg ha^‐1, and a check. Shoot biomass of barley, smooth brome, and bluebunch wheatgrass was enhanced by S plus N. Shoot biomass of barley and smooth brome was greater with pyrite than with gypsum. Root biomass of smooth brome and bluebunch wheatgrass was greater with pyrite than with gypsum. Plant S concentrations of barley and Idaho fescue were enhanced by added S. Plant S concentrations in barley and smooth brome were greater with gypsum than with pyrite. Except for barley, plant S pools (shoot biomass x shoot S concentration) were enhanced with S plus N compared with no added nutrients. Nitrogen pools of barley, smooth brome, and bluebunch wheatgrass were higher with pyrite than with gypsum. Soil sulfate (SO₄) was greater when S or S plus N was added than without any added nutrients. For barley and smooth brome, soil sulfate tended to be lower with pyrite than with gypsum. For all soils, pH was lower with added S or added S plus N compared with unamended soils. While pyrite lowered soil pH, gypsum tended to increase soil pH. Overall, barley and smooth brome were highly plastic in responding to enhanced nutrient levels, bluebunch wheatgrass was relatively responsive, and Idaho fescue was least responsive.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of a Mediterranean island (Pianosa), within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

In this work we have determined the community composition of spore-forming arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in a maquis site on Pianosa island, a protected area within the Tuscan Islands UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Italy. We have analysed rhizosphere soil of the dominant plant species Pistacia lentiscus, Smilax aspera, Rosmarinus officinalis and of the endemic plant Helichrysum litoreum. The AMF species recovered were: Scutellospora dipurpurescens, Glomus coronatum, Glomus mosseae, Glomus etunicatum, Glomus geosporum, Glomus viscosum, Entrophospora sp., Pacispora sp. and Glomus rubiforme. The identification of native S. dipurpurescens and G. coronatum was carried out on spores isolated from rhizosphere soil of H. litoreum, by combining morphological traits and 18S (SSU) and ITS rDNA sequences. Therefore, AMF species of Pianosa rhizosphere soils represent an important repository for the conservation and maintenance in their natural habitat of such beneficial symbionts, key microorganisms of soil fertility.