TITLE:
Glomalin Production and Infectivity of Arbuscular-Mycorrhizal Fungi in Response to Grassland Plant Diversity
AUTHORS:
R. L. Burrows
KEYWORDS:
Arbuscular Mycorrhizae; Glomalin; Diversity; Extraradical Hyphae; Soil Aggregation
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.5 No.1,
January
14,
2014
ABSTRACT: Arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are integral
components of most terrestrial ecosystems, with complex interactions between
plants and AMF. Our study assessed the impact of plant diversity of native
grassland species on AMF infectivity and production of glomalin, an AMF hyphal
glycoprotein that may play an important role in soil aggregation. The study was
conducted over a 3-year period in field plots planted with 1, 2, 8, or 16 plant
species. The mycorrhizal infection potential (MIP) of the plots was assayed in
the greenhouse. Glomalin production and MIP were lowest in monocultures and
were more closely correlated with plant diversity than with plant cover. Spore
density was also greater in higher diversity plots. Lower AMF activity in
monoculture plots may contribute to lower productivity and soil quality in
plant monocultures. Immunoreactive glomalin levels varied seasonally, with
higher levels in late summer than in late spring. Positive correlations were
found between glomalin levels and spore density, and between MIP and spore
density, but not between MIP and glomalin.