Register      Login
Australian Journal of Botany Australian Journal of Botany Society
Southern hemisphere botanical ecosystems
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) status and seedling growth response to indigenous AM colonisation of Euryodendron excelsum in China: implications for restoring an endemic and critically endangered tree

Shi-Kang Shen A B and Yue-Hua Wang A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Plant Institute Science School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.

B Corresponding authors. Email: ssk168@yahoo.com.cn and wangyh58212@126.com

Australian Journal of Botany 59(5) 460-467 https://doi.org/10.1071/BT11002
Submitted: 5 January 2011  Accepted: 6 July 2011   Published: 5 September 2011

Abstract

It is increasingly evident that the mycorrhizal colonisation of endangered species is of major importance for their restoration. In the present study, the symbiosis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and endangered species Euryodendron excelsum was investigated in 10 patches of a remnant population in south China. The presence of arbuscules and vesicles indicates that E. excelsum is a typical arbuscular mycorrhizal plant. Five genera were identified in the rhizosphere of E. excelsum, and the most common and frequent genus was Glomus. Root total colonisation intensity is negatively correlated with the available soil phosphorus and potassium content in the soil. In addition, we find no significant relationship between spore density and soil characteristics, or between spore density and total colonisation intensity. Furthermore, a greenhouse experiment under two soil types (humus: native soil = 3 : 1 ST1; humus: native soil = 1 : 3 ST2) was conducted to evaluate the effects of AMF inoculation on seedling growth. The levels of plant mycorrhizal response of E. excelsum seedlings under the ST1 and ST2 soil types were 136 and 413%, respectively. Although a significant growth enhancement was found in the ST1 soil type, seedling growth and survival rate were improved after AMF colonisation under both soil types. The results suggest that AMF colonisation may have practical implications in establishing effective conservation and restoration strategies for this critically endangered plant.


References

Aguín O, Mansilla JP, Vilariňo A, Sainz MJ (2004) Effect of mycorrhizal inoculation on root morphology and nursery production of three Grapevine rootstocks. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 55, 108–111.

Allen MF, Swenson W, Querejeta JI, Egerton-Warburton LM, Treseder KK (2003) Ecology of mycorrhizae: a conceptual framework for complex interactions among plants and fungi. Annual Review of Phytopathology 41, 271–303.
Ecology of mycorrhizae: a conceptual framework for complex interactions among plants and fungi.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXptFWlsLc%3D&md5=b54fd44ee498bc4e035020136f247322CAS |

Barroetavena C, Gisler SD, Luoma DL, Meinke RJ (1998) Mycorrhizal status of the endangered species Astragalus applegatei Peck as determined from a soil bioassay. Mycorrhiza 8, 117–119.
Mycorrhizal status of the endangered species Astragalus applegatei Peck as determined from a soil bioassay.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bashan Y, Davis EA, Carrillo-Garcia A, Linderman RG (2000) Assessment of VA mycorrhizal inoculum potential in relation to the establishment of cactus seedlings under mesquite nurse-trees in the Sonoran Desert. Applied Soil Ecology 14, 165–175.
Assessment of VA mycorrhizal inoculum potential in relation to the establishment of cactus seedlings under mesquite nurse-trees in the Sonoran Desert.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bashan Y, Khaosaad T, Salazar BG, Ocampo JA, Wiemken A, Oehl F, Vierheilig H (2007) Mycorrhizal characterization of the boojum tree, Fouquieria columnaris, an endemic ancient tree from the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. Trees Structure and Function 21, 329–335.

Bashan Y, Salazar B, Puente ME, Bacilio M, Linderman RG (2009) Enhanced establishment and growth of giant cardon cactus in an eroded field in the Sonoran Desert using native legume trees as nurse plants aided by plant growth-promoting microorganisms and compost. Biology and Fertility of Soils 45, 585–594.
Enhanced establishment and growth of giant cardon cactus in an eroded field in the Sonoran Desert using native legume trees as nurse plants aided by plant growth-promoting microorganisms and compost.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Berch SM, Kendrick WB (1982) Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae of southern Ontario ferns and fern-allies. Mycologia 74, 769–776.
Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae of southern Ontario ferns and fern-allies.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bethlenfalvay GJ, Dakessian S, Pacovsky RS (1984) Mycorrhizae in a southern California desert: ecological implications. Canadian Journal of Botany 62, 519–524.
Mycorrhizae in a southern California desert: ecological implications.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bethlenfalvay GJ, Linderman RG (1992) ‘Mycorrhizae in sustainable agriculture.’ ASA Special Publication. (ASA: Madison, WI)

Bethlenfalvay GJ, Bashan Y, Carrillo-Garcia A, Stutz J (2007) Mycorrhizae as biological components of resource islands in the Sonoran desert. In ‘Arbuscular micorrhizae in arid and semi-arid ecosystems’. (Eds NM Montaňo, SL Camargo-Ricalde, R García-Sánchez, A Monroy-Ata) pp. 147–169. (Mundi Prensa the National Institute of Ecology-SEMARNAT and the Autonomous Metropolitan University Press: Iztapalapa, Mexico)

Bothe H, Turnau K, Regvar M (2010) The potential role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in protecting endangered plants and habitats. Mycorrhiza 20, 445–457.

Brady NC, Weil RR (1996) ‘The nature and properties of soils.’ 11th edn. (Prentice Hall: New Jersey)

Camargo-Ricalde SL, Dhillion SS (2003) Endemic Mimosa species can serve as mycorrhizal ‘resource islands’ within semiarid communities of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico. Mycorrhiza 13, 129–136.
Endemic Mimosa species can serve as mycorrhizal ‘resource islands’ within semiarid communities of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Carrillo-Garcia A, Leon de la Luz JL, Bashan Y, Bethlenfalvay GJ (1999) Nurse plants, mycorrhizae, and plant establishment in a disturbed area of the Sonoran Desert. Restoration Ecology 7, 321–335.
Nurse plants, mycorrhizae, and plant establishment in a disturbed area of the Sonoran Desert.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Daniell TJ, Husband R, Fitter AH, Young JPW (2001) Molecular diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonizing arable crops. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 36, 203–209.
Molecular diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonizing arable crops.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXltVeis7Y%3D&md5=aa4ab0693cee62a6b1c3c85f51d77cabCAS |

Dhillion SS, Gardsjord TL (2004) Arbuscular mycorrhizas influence plant diversity, productivity and nutrients in boreal grasslands. Canadian Journal of Botany 82, 104–114.
Arbuscular mycorrhizas influence plant diversity, productivity and nutrients in boreal grasslands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Enkhtuya B, Rydlová J, Vosátka M (2000) Effectiveness of indigenous and non-indigenous isolates of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soils from degraded ecosystems and man-made habitats. Applied Soil Ecology 14, 201–211.
Effectiveness of indigenous and non-indigenous isolates of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soils from degraded ecosystems and man-made habitats.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fisher JB, Jayachandran K (2002) Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance seedling growth in two endangered species from South Florida. International Journal of Plant Sciences 163, 559–566.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance seedling growth in two endangered species from South Florida.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fisher JB, Jayachandran K (2005) Presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in South Florida native plants. Mycorrhiza 15, 580–588.
Presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in South Florida native plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fuchs B, Haselwandter K (2004) Red list plants: colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophytes. Mycorrhiza 14, 277–281.
Red list plants: colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophytes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD2cvhtFyiug%3D%3D&md5=dc97cd5457c3dce026aa789d7850d6f6CAS |

Fuchs B, Haselwandter K (2008) Arbuscular mycorrhiza of endangered plant species: potential impacts on restoration strategies. In ‘Mycorrhiza: state of the art, genetics and molecular biology, eco-function, biotechnology, eco-physiology, structure and systematics’. 3rd edn. (Ed. A Varma) pp. 565–579. (Springer: Berlin)

Gemma JN, Koske RE, Habte M (2002) Mycorrhizal dependency of some endemic and endangered Hawaiian plant species. American Journal of Botany 89, 337–345.
Mycorrhizal dependency of some endemic and endangered Hawaiian plant species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BC3Mngt1ehtQ%3D%3D&md5=18c0af008d51af820367247579d2a83cCAS |

Guadarrama P, Álvarez-Sánchez FJ (1999) Abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores in different environments in a tropical rain forest, Veracruz, Mexico. Mycorrhiza 8, 267–270.
Abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores in different environments in a tropical rain forest, Veracruz, Mexico.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Havlin JL, Beaton JD, Tisdale SL, Nelson WL (2005) ‘Soil fertility and fertilizers: an introduction to nutrient management.’ 7th edn. (Marcel Dekker: New York)

Janos DP (2007) Plant responsiveness to mycorrhizas differs from dependence upon mycorrhizas. Mycorrhiza 17, 75–91.
Plant responsiveness to mycorrhizas differs from dependence upon mycorrhizas.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Johnson NC, Wedin DA (1997) Soil carbon, nutrients, and mycorrhizal during conversion of dry tropical forest to grassland. Ecological Applications 7, 171–182.
Soil carbon, nutrients, and mycorrhizal during conversion of dry tropical forest to grassland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Koske RE, Gemma JN (1995) Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation of Hawaiian plants: a conservation technique for endangered tropic species. Pacific Science 49, 181–191.

Landis FC, Gargas A, Givnish TJ (2004) Relationship among arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, vascular plant and environmental conditions in oak savannas. New Phytologist 164, 493–504.
Relationship among arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, vascular plant and environmental conditions in oak savannas.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Li LF, Zhan Y, Zhao ZW (2007) Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and spore density across different land-use types in a hot and arid ecosystem, southwest China. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science 170, 419–425.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and spore density across different land-use types in a hot and arid ecosystem, southwest China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXntlCgtL8%3D&md5=3a29e0a1a2ae2274ff2a60534d937df6CAS |

Li T, Zhao ZW (2005) Arbuscular mycorrhizas in a hot and arid ecosystem in southwest China. Applied Soil Ecology 29, 135–141.
Arbuscular mycorrhizas in a hot and arid ecosystem in southwest China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

McGonigle TP, Miller MH, Evans DG, Fairchild GL, Swan JA (1990) A new method which gives an objective measure of colonization of roots by vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. New Phytologist 115, 495–501.
A new method which gives an objective measure of colonization of roots by vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Moora M, Opik M, Sen R, Zobel M (2004) Native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities differentially influence the seedling performance of rare and common Pulsatilla species. Functional Ecology 18, 554–562.
Native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities differentially influence the seedling performance of rare and common Pulsatilla species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Muthukumar T, Sha LQ, Yang XD, Cao M, Tang JW, Zheng Z (2003) Distribution of roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal associations in tropical forest types of Xishuangbanna, southwest China. Applied Soil Ecology 22, 241–253.
Distribution of roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal associations in tropical forest types of Xishuangbanna, southwest China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Nogueira MA, Cardoso EJBN (2007) Phosphorus availability changes the internal and external endomycorrhizal colonization and affects symbiotic effectiveness. Scientia Agricola 64, 295–300.
Phosphorus availability changes the internal and external endomycorrhizal colonization and affects symbiotic effectiveness.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXot1Wjsrg%3D&md5=a6d7b0e2d140bcc6ed805282aac57570CAS |

Panwar J, Tarafdar JC (2006a) Distribution of three endangered medicinal plant species and their colonization with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Journal of Arid Environments 65, 337–350.
Distribution of three endangered medicinal plant species and their colonization with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Panwar J, Tarafdar JC (2006b) Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal dynamics under Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. in Thar Desert. Applied Soil Ecology 34, 200–208.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal dynamics under Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. in Thar Desert.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pattinson GS, Hammill KA, Sutton BG, McGee PA (2004) Growth and survival of seedlings of native plants in an impoverished and highly disturbed soil following inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Mycorrhiza 14, 339–346.
Growth and survival of seedlings of native plants in an impoverished and highly disturbed soil following inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD2cnitFKkug%3D%3D&md5=0e7197f053ae2c5d3d28f79145f686e0CAS |

Picone C (2000) Diversity and abundance of arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungus spores in tropical forest and pasture. Biotropica 32, 734–750.
Diversity and abundance of arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungus spores in tropical forest and pasture.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ruiz-Lozano JM, Collados C, Barea JM, Azcon R (2001) Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis can alleviate drought-induced nodule senescence in soybean plants. New Phytologist 151, 493–502.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis can alleviate drought-induced nodule senescence in soybean plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXmsF2hsbo%3D&md5=118ca798a23b9c100665434b65af1527CAS |

Sharma D, Kapoor R, Bhatnagar AK (2008) Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) technology for the conservation of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn: an endangered medicinal herb. World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology 24, 395–400.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) technology for the conservation of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn: an endangered medicinal herb.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Shen SK, Wang YH, Wang BY, Ma HY, Shen GZ, Han ZW (2009) Distribution, stand characteristics and habitat of a critically endangered plant Euryodendron excelsum H. T. Chang (Theaceae). Plant Species Biology 24, 133–138.
Distribution, stand characteristics and habitat of a critically endangered plant Euryodendron excelsum H. T. Chang (Theaceae).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Smith SE, Read DJ (2008) ‘Mycorrhizal symbiosis.’ 3nd edn. (Academic Press: London)

Tan KH (1996) ‘Soil sampling, preparation, and analysis.’ (Marcel Dekker: New York)

Turjaman M, Tamai Y, Santoso E, Osaki M, Tawaraya K (2006) Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased early growth of two nontimber forest product species Dyera polyphylla and Aquilaria filarial under greenhouse conditions. Mycorrhiza 16, 459–464.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased early growth of two nontimber forest product species Dyera polyphylla and Aquilaria filarial under greenhouse conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Urcelay C, Diaz S (2003) The mycorrhizal dependence of subordinates determines the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on plant diversity. Ecology Letters 6, 388–391.
The mycorrhizal dependence of subordinates determines the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on plant diversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Van der Heijden MGA, Klironomos JN, Ursic M, Moutoglis P, Streitwolf-Engel R, Boiler T, Wiemken A, Sanders IR (1998) Mycorrhizal fungal diversity determines plant diversity, ecosystem variability and productivity. Nature 396, 69–72.
Mycorrhizal fungal diversity determines plant diversity, ecosystem variability and productivity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXntl2qsr8%3D&md5=9d6619f1306efc37b95c0ba7b5ccc2efCAS |

Wang YH, Min TL, Hu XL, Cao LM, He H (2002) The ecological and reproduction characteristics of Euryodendron excelsum, a critically endangered plant from Theaceae. Acta Botanica Yunnanica 24, 725–732.

Zangaro W, Nishidate FR, Vadresen J, Andrade G, Nogueira MA (2007) Root mycorrhizal colonization and plant responsiveness are related to root plasticity, soil fertility and successional status of native woody species in Southern Brazil. Journal of Tropical Ecology 23, 53–62.
Root mycorrhizal colonization and plant responsiveness are related to root plasticity, soil fertility and successional status of native woody species in Southern Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |