Differential growth response to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant density in two wild plant species belonging to contrasting functional types

MARISELA PÉREZ AND CARLOS URCELAY

MYCORRHIZA

Springer

Año: 2009

0940-6360

Here we examined the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on plant growth in two wild species belonging to contrasting plant functional types, an annual forb (Bidens pilosa, Asteraceae) and a deciduous shrub (Acacia caven, Fabaceae), at three simple and contrasting plant densities (one, two and three individuals per pot). AMF had a marginally significant negative effect B. pilosa when the species grew in isolation while positively affected of A. caven. Shoot mass of target individuals of both species were negatively affected by plant density. The positive effects of AMF on shoot mass of A. caven decreased at higher densities. In contrast, shoot mass of target individual of B. pilosa was not affected by AMF at any density. When considering total biomass per pot, AMF positively affected A. caven growth while negatively affected B. pilosa at all three densities. Root/shoot ratio per pot was negatively affected by AMF in both species while was not affected by plant density. These findings highlight the importance of including wild plants belonging to different life forms and/or traits in research regarding the interaction between AMF and intraspecific competition.