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A study of the hyphal dynamics of tropical species of
arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from 4 genera in
association with a plant host
poster
BODDINGTON1, CLAIRE L. & JOHN C.
DODD1
1International Institute for
Biotechnology/Dept. of Biosciences, University of Kent,
Canterbury, Kent. CT2 7YW. UK
ICOM1 Abstract
The extradradical mycelium (ERM) of AMF is the interface
between the plant root system and the soil matrix. This
mycelial network allows direct recycling of nutrients,
e.g. P, and helps stabilise the soil structure.
Information is required on the morphology and function
of the ERM for effective application of AMF in ecosystem
restoration projects. A study of fungal morphogenesis of
4 species of AMF from 4 genera: Glomus manihotis (INDO-
1), Gigaspora rosea (PHIL-INVAM), Scutellospora
heterogama (BEG-35) and Acaulospora tuberculata (BEG-
47), has been made. Spores were placed between Millipore
membranes in simple laboratory microcosms in the
presence of a host root system. Results show clear
differences in the hyphal architecture and dynamics
between the 4 species following spore germination. The
ecological relevance of these data will be discussed.
The function of the ERM of 3 of these 4 species of AMF
has been studied using inoculated Desmodium ovalifolium
plants grown under tropical glasshouse conditions in an
experimental pot system. A 37um mesh pouch was inserted
into each pot to allow root-free hyphal growth. Hyphae
were extracted from these pouches over 3 successive
harvests during a 20-week time period. Hyphal lengths
were compared for each species of AMf used, metabolic
activity was measured using alkaline phosphatase stain
(AP). The arbuscular colinisation of roots was
quantified and stained for AP. The results of this work
will be discussed.