Abstract
Investigations on the prevalence of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and dark septate endophyte (DSE) fungal symbioses are limited for plants growing in tropical aquatic and wetland habitats compared to those growing on terrestrial moist or dry habitats. Therefore, we assessed the incidence of AM and DSE symbiosis in 8 hydrophytes and 50 wetland plants from four sites in south India. Of the 58 plant species examined, we found AM and DSE fungal symbiosis in 21 and five species, respectively. We reported for the first time AM and DSE fungal symbiosis in seven and five species, respectively. Intermediate-type AM morphology was common, and AM morphology is reported for the first time in 16 plant species. Both AM and DSE fungal colonization varied significantly across plant species and sites. Intact and identifiable AM fungal spores occurred in root zones of nine plant species, but AM fungal species richness was low. Though no clear relationship between AM and DSE fungal colonization was recognized, a significant negative correlation between AM colonization and spore numbers was established. Our study suggests that the occurrence of AM and DSE fungal symbiosis in plants growing in hydrophytic and wetland habitats is not as common as in terrestrial habitats.
Highlights
Most plants growing in their natural habitats are colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi belonging to the phylum Glomeromycota
Our study suggests that the occurrence of AM and dark septate endophyte (DSE) fungal symbiosis in plants growing in hydrophytic and wetland habitats is not as common as in terrestrial habitats
Our findings demonstrate that AM and DSE symbiosis in tropical aquatic and wetland plants are not as common as in tropical terrestrial habitats
Summary
Most plants growing in their natural habitats are colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi belonging to the phylum Glomeromycota. The ability of AM fungi to establish a symbiotic association with a wide range of host plants renders these fungi to be an important component of most natural ecosystems [1]. These fungi aid plants in their uptake of nutrients and water from the substrates in exchange for carbon [1]. Plants growing in certain habitats like the aquatic and wetland habitats are either nonmycorrhizal or inconsistently mycorrhizal [2]. Information on the occurrence of AM in plants growing in aquatic and wetland habitats is limited compared to that of terrestrial habitats
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
