Distribution of different mycorrhizal classes on Mount Koma, northern Japan

To investigate the role of mycorrhizae in nutrient-poor primary successional volcanic ecosystems, we surveyed mycorrhizal frequencies on the volcano Mount Koma (42 degrees 04'N, 140 degrees 42'E, 1,140 m elevation) in northern Japan. After the 1929 eruptions, plant community development started at the base of the volcano. Ammonia and nitrate levels, along with plant cover, decreased with increasing elevation, whereas phosphorus did not. In total, 305 individuals of 56 seed plant species were investigated in three elevational zones (550-600 m, 650-700 m, and 750-800 m). Five mycorrhizal classes were classified based on morphological traits: ecto- (ECM), arbuscular (AM), arbutoid, ericoid, and orchid mycorrhiza. All plant species were mycorrhizal to at least some extent, with most widespread tree species being heavily ectomycorrhizal. In addition, of 16 tree species collected in all three zones, 6 differed in the frequencies of ECM on roots between elevational zones, and 3 of these 6 species increased in frequency with increasing elevation. These results suggest that ECM colonization in some tree species is related to establishment in nutrient-poor habitats. All species of Ericaceae and Pyrolaceae had ericoid mycorrhizae, and an Orchidaceae species had orchid mycorrhizae. Herbaceous species, except for the low mycorrhizal frequency of Carex oxyandra and two Polygonaceae species, and ericoid and orchid mycorrhizal species, were generally AM. Of herbaceous species, Anaphalis margaritacea var. angustior increased AM frequency and decreased ECM frequency with increasing elevation, and Hieracium umbellatum increased ECM frequency. In total, the establishment of herbaceous species was not sufficiently explained by AM colonization on roots. Tree individuals developed 2-3 classes of mycorrhizae more than herbs at each elevational zone. We conclude that the symbiosis between seed plants and mycorrhizae, ECM in particular, greatly influences plant community structures on Mount Koma. Not only a single mycorrhizal class, but combinations of mycorrhizal classes should be studied to clarify effects on plant community dynamics.