Effects of different Kalahari-desert VA mycorrhizal communities on mineral acquisition and depletion from the soil by host plants
Date
2003
Authors
Bohrer G.
Kagan-Zur V.
Roth-Bejerano N.
Ward D.
Beck G.
Bonifacio E.
Journal Title
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Volume Title
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Abstract
Seedlings of Vangueria infausta, an indigenous Kalahari tree, were used as plant symbionts in a pot experiment designed to measure the effect of three local vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungal communities on mineral acquisition and concentrations in host shoots. VAM significantly affected seedlings size. The highest level of VAM mycorrhizae occurred in soil with intermediate P concentration. Two VAM communities had the highest mycorrhizal response in their soils of origin. The presence of VAM caused a significant depletion of P from soils. VAM communities differed in their ability to promote P, Ca and N uptake. A significant interaction between VAM community and soil type - in terms of Ca and N concentration in shoots - indicates a local adaptation of the VAM species. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Description
Keywords
fungus, host plant, nutrient uptake, symbiosis, vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza, Africa, Arbuscular mycorrhizae, Mycorrhizae, Vangueria infausta
Citation
Journal of Arid Environments
55
2
55
2