Invasion by an exotic tree species in a xeric forest in Argentina: ?Impact on the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and pre-existing mutualistic relationships"

ABARCA C; BARRERA M; CABELLO M. N; VALDÉS, FABRICIO; VELÁZQUEZ M. S

ACTA BOTANICA BRASILICA

SOC BOTANICA BRASIL

Lugar: San Pablo; Año: 2020

0102-3306

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the invasion by the exotic Ligustrum lucidum on the mycorrhizal associations in forests of Celtis tala, and to determine which role these fungi play in the invasion process. We analyzed the colonization and response to mycorrhization of both plant species under greenhouse conditions, after inoculation with soil obtained from patches of native forests and invaded forests. At the end of the experiment, we counted and identified the spores present in the pots. The colonization of L. lucidum was higher in plants inoculated with invaded forest soil, whereas the colonization of C. tala was higher in plants inoculated with native forest soil. A principal component analysis performed with the fungal species abundance showed differences in the AMF composition according to the host plant and between sites. Our results showed that L. lucidum establishes symbiosis with the native AMF, trigge changes in the community structure. These changes favoured the mycorrhization of L. lucidum and interfered with the mycorrhization of C. tala. AMF might have either a direct or an indirect role in the invasion process, not only benefiting the invasive species but also preventing the regeneration of native plants.