Application of a Molecular Method for the Identification of a Gigaspora margarita Isolate Released in a Field

A molecular technique for the identification of the Gigaspora margarita isolate CK based on the detection of a DNA sequence of 235 bp as its diagnostic marker was evaluated to investigate the survival and establishment of introduced arbuscular mycorrizal fungi (AMF) in a field ecosystem. In March 2001, roots and rhizosphere soil of Eragrostis curvula and Miscanthus sinensis were collected from the Mizunashi River at Mt. Fugendake (Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan), where plant seeds and AMF including G. margarita CK had been introduced for reforestation after the occurrence of repeated pyroclastic flows. We detected the marker sequence from DNA preparations of E. curvula roots and Gigaspora spores in the rhizosphere. This clearly showed that the isolate occurred at both hyphal and sporal stages. It was shown that the isolate survived and developed a life cycle in the revegetation area for 4 years. It was confirmed that the method was effective for tracing the isolate in samples collected from field ecosystems.