Mycorrhizas in natural environments and bioregions of South America: "write a book" is the next challenge for South American mycorrhizologists!

LUGO, M. A.; CRESPO, E. M.; RISIO ALLIONE, L. V. ; ONTIVERO, R. E.

Valdivia

Workshop; International Workshop Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in the Southern Cone of South America; 2017

Universidad Austral de Chile, Universidad de La Frontera,Universidad de Concepción, Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Fruticultura, EarthShape Project

Mycorrhizas in natural environments and bioregions of South America: "write a book" is the next challenge for South American mycorrhizologists!Throughout South America there are numerous and varied biogeographic regions with their own and exclusive biotic and abiotic characteristics which delimit particular natural environments integrated by very characteristic ecosystems with unique biological and underground communities. In South America, each bioregion within its own ecosystems housed animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms along with their biological interactions, including mycorrhizas. South American mycorrhizologists have investigated these symbioses in our precious / appreciated natural ecosystems for decades, providing data on Venezuelan Great Savannah, Andes, Puna, Chaco, Caatinga, Monte, Mata Atlantica, Marginal Forest, the coastal Medanales, Patagonia, Yungas, Rainforest, Andean-Patagonian Forests, Antarctic section, etc. In these environments, different mycorrhizal associations (arbuscular / ericoid / orchidoid / ectomycorrhizal / mycoheterotrophic) have been analyzed in herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees. Mycorrhizal associations were studied from different researching points of view (biodiversity, biological invasions, biotic / abiotic disturbances, altitudinal variations, seasonal changes, land uses, etc.). Metaphorically, we have as "children" our data / information on mycorrhizas in many natural ecosystems in South America; "trees" are already planted, but we could still plant them mycorrhized! and now we should "write a book". The purpose of this presentation is, through the synthesis of information on mycorrhizas from South American natural environments, to summon the authors / mycorrhizologists and motivate us to write the book!