The role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the early-stage restoration of seasonally dry tropical forest in Chamela, Mexico

It was evaluated the effect of two different sources of local inocula from two contrasting sites (mature forest, pasture) of arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) and a non-mycorrhizal control on the plant growth of six woody species differing in functional characteristics (slow-, intermediate- and fast-growth), when introduced in a seasonally tropical dry forest (STDF) converted into abandoned pasture. Six plots (12 X 12m) were set as AMF inoculum source. Six replicates of six different species arranged in a Latin Square design were set in each plot. Plant height, cover area and the number of leaves produced by individual plant was measured monthly during the first growing season in each treatment. Species differed in their ability to benefit from AMF and the largest responsiveness in plant height and leaf production was exhibited by the slow-growing species Swietenia humilis, Hintonia latiflora and Cordia alliodora. At the end of the growing season (November), the plant height of the fast growing species Tabebuia donnel-smithii, Ceiba pentandra and Guazuma ulmifolia were not influenced by AMF. However, inocula of AMF increased leaf production of all plant species regardless the functional characteristics of the species, suggesting a better exploitation of above-ground space and generating a light limited environment under the canopy, which contributed to pasture suppression. Inoculation of seedlings planted in abandoned pasture areas is recommended for ecological restoration due to the high responsiveness of seedling growth in most of species. Use of forest inoculum with its higher diversity of AMF could accelerate the ecological restoration of the above and below-ground comunities.

Growth and metabolic activity of the extramatrical mycelium of endomycorrhizal maize plants

The objective of this experiment was to quantify the extramatrical mycelium of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus etunicatum (Becker & Gerdemann) grown on maize (Zea mays L. var. Piranão) provided with various levels of phosphate fertilizer and harvested at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting (DAP). Total extramatrical mycelium (TEM) was extracted from soil using a modified membrane filtration method, followed by quantification using a grid intersection technique. Active extramatrical mycelium (AEM) proportion was determined using an enzymatic method which measured dehydrogenase activity by following iodonitrotetrazolium reduction. At low levels of added P, there was relatively less TEM than at high levels of added P, but the AEM proportion at low soil P availability was significantly greater than at high soil P.

Growth and nutrient accumulation in mycorrhized papaya seedlings cultivated in a phosphorus-fertilized substrate

ABSTRACT The indiscriminate use of mineral fertilizers in papaya orchards has increased production costs, and the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi is a promising alternative to reduce such expenses. Therefore, the present research aimed at studying the efficiency of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on dry matter and nutrient accumulation in Sunrise Solo papaya seedlings, by applying doses of P2O5 (triple superphosphate) that are harmful to the symbiosis. The experiment was carried out in a protected environment and was set up in a randomized block design with four replications, and consisted of four P2O5 doses (0, 672, 1386 and 2100 mg dm-3), three mycorrhizal fungi species (Gigaspora margarita, Entrophospora colombiana and Scutellospora heterogama) and the control treatment (mycorrhiza-free). Shoot and root dry matter as well as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents in leaf and root tissues were assessed. Mycorrhizal inoculation promoted a 30% increase in shoot dry matter in relation to the control treatment. Mycorrhizal fungi promoted increases in leaf and root nitrogen content up to 672 mg dm-3 P2O5. Inoculation of E. colombiana favored the highest gains in root and shoot dry matter. P2O5 fertilization increased foliar and root phosphorus content.

Spore communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and mycorrhizal associations in different ecosystems, south Australia

Communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were surveyed in different South Australian ecosystems. The soil was wet-sieved for spore extraction, followed by the determination of presence and abundance of AMF species as well as the percentage of root colonization. Mycorrhizal associations were common and there was substantial fungal diversity in different ecosystems. Spores were most abundant in the permanent pasture system and less abundant under continuous wheat. The incidence of mycorrhizal associations in different plant species and the occurrence of Arum and Paris type colonization generally conformed with previous information. Spores of seventeen AMF were verified throughout seasonal changes in 1996 and 1997 in the permanent pasture and on four host species (Lolium perenne, Plantago lanceolata, Sorghum sp. and Trifolium subterraneum) , set up with the same soils under greenhouse conditions. Glomus mosseae was the dominant spore type at all sampling times and in all trap cultures. Mycorrhizal diversity was significantly affected by different sampling times in trap cultures but not in field-collected soil. P. lanceolata, Sorghum sp. and T. subterraneum as hosts for trap cultures showed no differences in richness and diversity of AMF spores that developed in association with their roots. Abundance and diversity were lowest, however, in association with L. perenne , particularly in December 1996. Results show that the combination of spore identification from field-collected soil and trap cultures is essential to study population and diversity of AMF. The study provides baseline data for ongoing monitoring of mycorrhizal populations using conventional methods and material for the determination of the symbiotic effectiveness of AMF key members.

Efeito do fósforo, fumigação do substrato e fungo micorrízico arbuscular sobre o crescimento de plantas de mamoeiro

Estudou-se o efeito da inoculação com o fungo micorrízico arbuscular (FMA), Glomus macrocarpum, da fumigação do substrato e da adição de fósforo solúvel (60, 120, 240 e 480 mg kg-1 de P no solo) sobre as variáveis altura, número de folhas e diâmetro do caule de plantas de mamoeiro cv. Sunrise Solo.O FMA edoses crescentes de fósforo, isoladamente, exerceram efeitos significativos sobre essas variáveis. Não houve efeito significativo do fator fumigação do substrato. O efeito da inoculação foi mais acentuado no tratamento com adição de 60 mg kg-1 de P no solo. A inoculação com G. macrocarpum reduziu a necessidade de fósforo para o mamoeiro, tanto que as variáveis estudadas em plantas inoculadas na ausência de adubação fosfática não diferiram de plantas não inoculadas em substrato adicionado de mais de 240 mg kg-1 de P no solo.

Interação de chumbo, da saturação por bases do solo e de micorriza arbuscular no crescimento e nutrição mineral da soja

Existem divergências sobre o efeito do fungo micorrízico arbuscular (FMA) na absorção de metais pesados pelas plantas. Isso pode ser atribuído não só às diferenças na disponibilidade do metal no solo, espécie de FMA e de planta, mas também às possíveis interações que ocorrem entre estes e os demais fatores ambientais. Realizou-se um experimento em casa de vegetação, com a finalidade de avaliar o efeito da inoculação de FMAe da saturação por bases do solo sobre o crescimento, nutrição e absorção de Pb em soja crescida em um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo. Os tratamentos consistiram de inoculação, ou não, de Glomus macrocarpum, duas doses de calcário, elevando a saturação por bases do solo a 63 e 82 %, e cinco doses de Pb (0; 7,5; 37,5; 150 e 300 mg dm-3), utilizando-se como fonte Pb(NO3)2. A inoculação do FMA aumentou a produção de matéria seca da parte aérea das plantas, as quais também apresentaram maiores teores de P e maiores quantidades acumuladas de P, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe e Zn. A produção de matéria seca da soja micorrizada reduziu linearmente com o aumento da dose de Pb adicionada, em ambas as saturações por bases. No solo com menor V %, a colonização radicular pelo FMA diminuiu 40 % na maior dose de Pb adicionada, o teor de Pb na parte aérea da soja foi cinco vezes maior e as plantas micorrizadas apresentaram um teor de Pb 30 % menor do que as não micorrizadas. A adição de Pb afetou tanto o estabelecimento quanto o desempenho da simbiose. O FMA teve papel relevante na diminuição da concentração do Pb na parte aérea da soja, no solo com menor saturação por bases, conferindo tolerância à planta em uma condição de excesso de metal pesado no solo.

Micorriza arbuscular e nutrição fosfática na toxidez de zinco para a trema [Trema micrantha (L.) Blum.]

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de micorriza arbuscular, do estado nutricional de P da planta e de concentrações crescentes de P em solução nutritiva na toxidez de Zn para Trema micrantha (L.) Blum. Em um primeiro experimento, mudas de trema foram formadas em substrato que continha doses crescentes de P [0, 100, 200 e 400 mg dm-3 na forma de Ca(H2PO4)2] e um tratamento de inoculação com Glomus etunicatum (Ge). Após crescimento por 60 dias, as mudas foram transferidas para vasos com solução nutritiva de Clark, que continha 2, 75, 150 e 225 µmol L-1 de Zn, e mantidas por mais 40 dias, quando foram colhidas e avaliadas. Os efeitos do P na amenização da fitotoxidez de Zn foram avaliados em outro experimento, aplicando-se, simultaneamente e de forma combinada em solução, doses de P (0,07; 0,5; 1 e 2 mmol L-1 fornecido por diferentes fontes) e de Zn (2, 75, 150 e 225 µmol L-1 na forma de ZnSO4.7H2O), nas quais foram cultivadas mudas de trema por 40 dias. Houve acentuada inibição no crescimento e na colonização micorrízica da trema em doses elevadas de Zn em solução (150 e 225 µmol L-1). Constatou-se que a melhoria da nutrição fosfática reduziu a translocação do Zn das raízes para a parte aérea, mas isto, assim como a colonização micorrízica, não resultou em favorecimento do crescimento da planta em condições de excesso deste metal em solução. No segundo experimento, verificou-se que a elevação na concentração de P em solução nutritiva promoveu melhoria no estado nutricional de P, conferindo proteção à planta do excesso de Zn. Como a especiação química da solução indicou que a aplicação de P não interferiu, de modo significativo, nas formas de Zn em solução, os resultados indicam que a ação amenizante do P ocorre na planta, possivelmente reduzindo a translocação do Zn das raízes para a parte aérea.

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus fertilization on post vitro growth of micropropagated Zingiber officinale roscoe

The rhizomes of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) are widely used for their medicinal and flavoring properties, whereas the influence of root symbionts on their growth is poorly understood. In this study, the effects of phosphate fertilization and inoculation with a mixture of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (isolates Glomus clarum RGS101A, Entrophospora colombiana SCT115A and Acaulospora koskei SPL102A) on survival, growth and development of micropropagated ginger were investigated. After transplanting to post vitro conditions, the ginger microplants were subjected to the following treatments: a) AMF mixture, b) P addition (25 mg kg-1), c) AMF + P, and d) non-mycorrhizal control without P addition. After eight months of growth, survival ranged from 86 to 100 % in the AMF and AMF+P treatments versus 71 % survival in control and P treatments. In the AMF, P and AMF+P treatments, the shoot, root and rhizome biomass production were significantly larger than in the control plants. In the non-mycorrhizal control plants the leaf number, leaf area, number of shoots/plants, and shoot length were significantly lower than in the AMF, P and AMF+P treatments. Root colonization ranged from 81 to 93 % and was not affected by P application. The data confirmed the response of several growth variables of micropropagated ginger to mycorrhizal colonization and P addition.

Tolerância e potencial fitorremediador de Stizolobium aterrimum associada ao fungo micorrízico arbuscular Glomus etunicatum em solo contaminado por chumbo

A poluição do solo com metais pesados tem aumentado significativamente nos últimos anos, devido à ação antrópica. Diversas técnicas podem ser utilizadas para reverter ou minimizar a condição de contaminação do solo, porém muitas delas são prejudiciais ao solo. Uma alternativa é a utilização da fitorremediação, já que as plantas possuem a capacidade de absorver elementos do solo e, dessa maneira, promover sua descontaminação com teores excessivos de metais e outros elementos potencialmente tóxicos. A associação de plantas com fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs) pode influenciar a absorção desses elementos. Com o objetivo de avaliar o potencial fitorremediador de plantas de Stizolobium aterrimum associadas ou não a FMAs em solos com concentrações crescentes de Pb, realizou-se um experimento sob condições de casa de vegetação, em esquema fatorial 4 x 2. Os tratamentos consistiram na adição de quatro doses de Pb (0, 250, 500 e 1.000 mg dm-3) e da inoculação ou não de FMA. Os resultados mostraram que a planta foi tolerante ao Pb nas doses utilizadas. A associação com FMA não influenciou a absorção de Pb pela planta. No entanto, a micorrização influenciou a fixação biológica de N2, observando-se maior atividade da enzima nitrogenase em plantas micorrizadas. Apesar dos bons resultados obtidos com relação à tolerância dessa planta ao Pb, mais estudos precisam ser realizados acerca da absorção desse elemento, principalmente em solo multicontaminado, que é a realidade encontrada em sistemas poluídos.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation increases biomass of Euterpe edulis and Archontophoenix alexandrae after two years under field conditions

Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) of tree seedlings in the nursery is a biotechnological strategy to improve growth, survival after transplanting, biomass production and to reduce the use of fertilizers. Archontophoenix alexandrae and Euterpe edulis are palm species used in southern Brazil to produce the palm heart, the latter being included in the list of threatened species due to the overexploitation of its native population. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effect of mycorrhizal inoculation on growth and physiological parameters of A. alexandrae and E. edulis. After germination, the seedlings were inoculated (AMF) or not (CTL) with AMF in the treatments. Values of chlorophyll content, biomass and shoot phosphorus were not statistically different between the AMF and CTL treatments, after five months in the greenhouse. Inoculation with AMF significantly increased the levels of starch and soluble carbohydrates in shoots and roots of both species. Under field conditions, AMF had no effect on stem diameter and height after 12 and 24 months, but total plant biomass and leaf, stem and root biomass were greater in AMF than in CTL plants. The data indicated that AMF inoculation in the nursery has a strong effect on biomass accumulation after growing for 24 months under field conditions. Therefore, AMF inoculation should be considered an important strategy to increase growth and production of these economically important tropical palm species.

Micorriza arbuscular e a tolerância das plantas ao estresse

Fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs) são fungos de solo, biotróficos obrigatórios e formadores da simbiose mutualista mais comum na natureza: a micorriza arbuscular (MA). Essa associação ocorre nas raízes da maioria das plantas terrestres, promovendo melhorias no crescimento, desenvolvimento e aumento na tolerância e, ou, resistência das plantas a vários agentes ambientais adversos. Além disso, os FMAs podem ser utilizados como potenciais agentes de controle biológico de doenças de plantas. Esses fungos produzem ainda glomalina, uma proteína que desempenha papel fundamental na estabilidade do solo e bioestabilização de solos contaminados. As diferentes respostas das plantas a essa simbiose podem ser atribuídas à diversidade funcional das MAs, em função da interação FMA-planta-condições ambientais. O estabelecimento e funcionamento da MA durante as condições de estresse envolvem um complexo processo de reconhecimento e desenvolvimento, concomitantemente às alterações bioquímicas, fisiológicas e moleculares em ambos os simbiontes. Além disso, a colonização micorrízica das raízes tem impacto significativo na expressão de genes de diversas plantas que codificam proteínas presumivelmente envolvidas na tolerância ao estresse. Nesse contexto, considerando que os FMAs são essenciais no estabelecimento e adaptação das plantas em locais perturbados, nesta revisão são abordados os mecanismos fisiológicos e moleculares da associação MA responsáveis por essa adaptação e pela maior tolerância das plantas ao estresse.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities and soil aggregation as affected by cultivation of various crops during the sugarcane fallow period

Management systems involving crop rotation, ground cover species and reduced soil tillage can improve the soil physical and biological properties and reduce degradation. The primary purpose of this study was to assess the effect of various crops grown during the sugarcane fallow period on the production of glomalin and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in two Latosols, as well as their influence on soil aggregation. The experiment was conducted on an eutroferric Red Latosol with high-clay texture (680 g clay kg-1) and an acric Red Latosol with clayey texture (440 g kg-1 clay) in Jaboticabal (São Paulo State, Brazil). A randomized block design involving five blocks and four crops [soybean (S), soybean/fallow/soybean (SFS), soybean/millet/soybean (SMS) and soybean/sunn hemp/soybean (SHS)] was used to this end. Soil samples for analysis were collected in June 2011. No significant differences in total glomalin production were detected between the soils after the different crops. However, total external mycelium length was greater in the soils under SMS and SHS. Also, there were differences in easily extractable glomalin, total glomalin and aggregate stability, which were all greater in the eutroferric Red Latosol than in the acric Red Latosol. None of the cover crops planted in the fallow period of sugarcane improved aggregate stability in either Latosol.

SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND GROWTH OF SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.) AS AFFECTED BY THE APPLICATION OF ORGANIC FERTILIZERS AND INOCULATION WITH ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI

The use of organic fertilizers and the inoculation of mycorrhizal fungi in the cultivation of oil crops is essential to reduce production costs and minimize negative impacts on natural resources. A field experiment was conducted in an Argissolo Amarelo (Ultisol) with the aim of evaluating the effects of fertilizer application and inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth attributes of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and on soil chemical properties. The experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, using a randomized block design with three replicates in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of four treatments in regard to application of organic fertilizer (liquid biofertilizer, cow urine, mineral fertilizer, and unfertilized control) and two treatments in regard to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (with and without mycorrhizal fungi). The results showed that the physiological attributes of relative growth rate and leaf weight ratio were positively influenced by fertilization, compared to the control treatment, likely brought about by the supply of nutrients from the fertilizers applied. The growth and productivity attributes were positively affected by mycorrhization.

Occurrence and Structure of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities in Cassava after Cultivation of Cover Crops as Observed by the “PCR-DGGE” Technique

ABSTRACT Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a highly mycotrophic crop, and prior soil cover may affect the density of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs), as well as the composition of the AMFs community in the soil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and the structure of AMFs communities in cassava grown after different cover crops, and the effect of the cover crop on mineral nutrition and cassava yield under an organic farming system. The occurrence and structure of the AMFs community was evaluated through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). A randomized block experimental design was used with four replications. Six different cover crop management systems before cassava were evaluated: black oats, vetch, oilseed radish, intercropped oats + vetch, intercropped oats + vetch + oilseed radish, plus a control (fallow) treatment mowed every 15 days. Oats as a single crop or oats intercropped with vetch or with oilseed radish increased AMFs inoculum potential in soil with a low number of propagules, thus benefiting mycorrhizal colonization of cassava root. The treatments did not affect the structure of AMFs communities in the soil since the AMFs communities were similar in cassava roots in succession to different cover crops. AMFs colonization was high despite high P availability in the soil. The cassava crop yield was above the regional average, and P levels in the leaves were adequate, regardless of which cover crop treatments were used. One cover crop cycle prior to the cassava crop was not enough to observe a significant response in variables, P in plant tissue, crop yield, and occurrence and structure of AMFs communities in the soil. In the cassava roots in succession, the plant developmental stage affected the groupings of the structure of the AMF community.

The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation on Euterpe oleracea mart. (açaí) seedlings

With the objective of verifying the response of Euterpe oleracea seedlings to seven arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi species, an experimental trial was carried out under greenhouse conditions. Seeds of E. oleracea were sown in carbonized rice husk. Germinating seeds were initially transferred to plastic cups, containing fumigated Reddish Yellow Quartz Sand and inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Two months later, seedlings were transferred to 2 kg black plastic bags, containing the same soil without fumigation. Plant growth and mineral nutrients were evaluated nine months after mycorrhizal inoculation. Differential effects were observed among the species tested, with Scutellispora gilmorei being the most effective ones in promoting growth and nutrient content of E. oleracea seedlings. The increment resulted from inoculation with S. gilmorei were 92% in total plant height, 116% in stem diameter, 361% in dry matter production, 191% in N, 664% in P, 46% in K, 562% in Ca, 363% in Mg and 350% in Zn contents, comparing to uninoculated controls. Infected root length was positively correlated to nutrient content and plant growth. It was concluded that growth and nutrient uptake of E. oleracea seedlings could be significantly improved by inoculation of effective arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.