Mycorrhizal diversity in native and exotic willows (Salix humboldtiana and S. alba) in Argentina

LUGO M., BECERRA A., NOUHRA E. & OCHOA A.

Mycorrhiza: Occurrence and Role in Natural and Restored Environments

Nova Science Publishers

Año: 2012; p. 201 - 222

Mycorrhizal morphology and diversity vary not only within each particular host family of plants, but also with soil characteristics, nutrients availability, spatial-temporal conditions, micro-habitats, and host?s age. Ectomycorrhizae (ECM) and arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) provide nutritional benefits to their hosts, besides their effects in soil aggregation, soil pollutants sequestration and host?s interconnection by hyphal network that allows nutrients transport, seedlings establishment and conservation of forest ecosystems. Furthermore, certain host?s species such as Salix spp. in the Salicaceae are involved in dual associations with ECM and Glomeromycota fungal symbionts presents a wide distribution in South America, native Salix humboldtiana populations as well us the introduced species are mostly located in riparian ecosystems, or in temporarily flooded areas. Riparian zones have an important role regulating the movement of material and water between soil-river systems. Mycorrhizal diversity and colonization was studied in riparian populations of native S.humboldtiana Willd. and of exotic S. alba L. in semiarid riparian environments. Differences in ECM morphotypes and mycorrhizal colonization were found in both species. Effects of soil physical-chemical features on ECM diversity are discussed and ECM morphotypes are illustrated.