Title: Spore Germination and Colonization of Gigaspora margarita as Influenced by Aluminium Concentration
Abstract:Species of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have preferences to soil acidity and many species are inhibited but others favored low pH. However, in most cases, pH preferences have not been addressed c...Species of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have preferences to soil acidity and many species are inhibited but others favored low pH. However, in most cases, pH preferences have not been addressed clearly in the life cycle of the fungus. It was believed that particular stages in the life cycle may differ in response to low pH conditions, particularly to factors related to Al toxicity. The first experiment assessed germination of spores by sandwiching between two millipore filters, burying midway in growth medium of a sand/soil mixture, previously treated to have soluble Al of 0.4, 1.1, 4.1, 7.3, or 11.9 mg kg -1 , and incubating for three weeks. The second experiment determined the ability of spore hyphae to initiate colonization by trapping with roots of cowpea using a compartmentalized pot system by which spores and trap plants were placed and grown in separated compartments. The compartment for infesting spores and growing hyphae was filled with media containing 1.1, 7.3, or 11.9 mg Al kg -1 , whereas the two plant compartments for trapping were filled with media containing 5 or 26 mg kg -1 available-P, respectively. The percentage of root length of trap plants colonized by growing hyphae from germinated spores was assessed 3 and 6 weeks after the plant compartments were inserted into the pot. Results showed that increasing concentrations of soluble Al in soil affected spore germination of G. margarita with a significant decrease observed at 4.1 mg kg -1 . Increasing Al up to 11.9 mg kg -1 reduced the number of germinating spores over 40%. Mycorrhizal colonization in roots of trap plants was time-dependent regardless of soil P and Al concentrations, indicating growing hyphae from the germinated spores were able to overcome adverse effects of excessive Al in soil with possible stimulus from roots of trap plants despite their growth and P nutritional status. In general spores of G. margarita remains active to initiate and establish root colonization in acidic soil conditions though inhibited by Al solubility. Key words: Aluminium, Gigaspora margarita, spore germinationRead More
Publication Year: 2010
Publication Date: 2010-05-17
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 5
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