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Colonization of roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi using different sources of inoculum

John N Klironomos1, Miranda M Hart

  • 1Department of Botany, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1. jklirono@uoguelph.ca

Mycorrhiza
|August 22, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) utilize various propagules for root colonization. Different AMF suborders exhibit distinct colonization strategies, with Glomus and Acaulospora being versatile, while Gigaspora and Scutellospora primarily use spores.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Plant Pathology
  • Symbiotic Relationships

Background:

  • Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form essential symbiotic associations with plants.
  • AMF reproduce via multiple infective propagules: spores, extraradical hyphae, and infected roots.
  • Previous research suggests differing root colonization capabilities among AMF genera.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of different AMF propagule types (spores, extraradical hyphae, infected roots) for root colonization.
  • To compare the colonization strategies of eight AMF species across four genera.
  • To determine if colonization strategies differ between AMF suborders Glomineae and Gigasporineae.

Main Methods:

  • Eight AMF species from genera Glomus, Acaulospora, Gigaspora, and Scutellospora were selected.
  • Root colonization was assessed using three inoculum types: spores, extraradical hyphae, and infected root fragments.
  • Colonization success was evaluated for each fungal species and inoculum type.

Main Results:

  • Glomus and Acaulospora isolates successfully colonized roots from all three inoculum types.
  • Gigaspora and Scutellospora isolates showed significant colonization primarily from spores, with limited success from root fragments.
  • Extraradical hyphae proved ineffective as propagules for the tested Gigaspora and Scutellospora species.

Conclusions:

  • AMF species exhibit distinct root colonization strategies, largely differentiated at the suborder level.
  • The suborder Glomineae (Glomus, Acaulospora) demonstrates broad adaptability to inoculum types, unlike the Gigasporineae (Gigaspora, Scutellospora).
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the anatomical and physiological mechanisms underlying these divergent life-history strategies in AMF.

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