Open AccessAssociation of highly and weakly mycorrhizal seedlings can promote the extra‐ and intraradical development of a common mycorrhizal network
Author(s) -
Derelle Damien,
Declerck Stéphane,
Genet Patricia,
Dajoz Isabelle,
van Aarle Ingrid M.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
fems microbiology ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.377
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1574-6941
pISSN - 0168-6496
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6941.2011.01214.x
Subject(s) - biology , medicago truncatula , rhizophagus irregularis , colonization , botany , symbiosis , mycelium , mycorrhiza , competition (biology) , hypha , arbuscular mycorrhiza , ectomycorrhiza , glomeromycota , arbuscular mycorrhizal , ecology , genetics , bacteria
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi ( AMF ) are key determinants of plant interactions in ecosystems. Through their effects on competition, they are regulators of the structure of communities. Conversely, the composition of plant assemblages may also influence the AMF colonization dynamics of plant species. Here, we tested under in vitro culture conditions the effects of M edicago truncatula , a highly mycorrhizal plant species, and S ilene vulgaris , a weakly mycorrhizal plant species, grown single (monospecies treatments) or in combination (bispecies treatment) on the colonization dynamics of the AMF R hizophagus irregularis MUCL 43194. The seedlings were placed in a pre‐established hyphal network developing from a mature M . truncatula mycorrhizal donor plant. Extraradical mycelium ( ERM ) and root colonization parameters as well as root morphology were measured over a period of 12 days. An increased ERM length, total root colonization and proportion of arbuscules were noted in the bispecies treatment. Conversely, the bispecies treatment seemed to have no effect on root growth. This study also demonstrated the suitability of the in vitro culture system for studying the interactions between AMF and host plants grown as mono‐ and bispecies combinations.