Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of Scleria sumatrensis as a member of Cyperaceae family commonly known as non-mycorrhizal host plant

Abstract

Cyperaceae is not strictly a non-mycorrhizal host plant family, and the mycorrhizal status of its member could be influenced by environmental conditions. Scleria sumatrensis, a member of Cyperaceae grown natively as a pioneer plant in a disturbed area, could be used as a source of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) inoculum. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the mycorrhizal status of the S. sumatrensis grown natively in Martabe, North Sumatra, Indonesia, for revegetation purposes. The analysis was carried out by measuring root colonization characteristics and spore diversity in the rhizosphere soils of the S. sumatrensis. The roots were stained and measured for AM colonization characteristics. While the AMF spores were obtained using the wet sieving and decanting method and were identified based on morphological characteristics. The results indicated that the roots of S. sumatrensis were colonized by AMF in good-quality formed entry points, internal hyphae, arbuscules, and vesicles. The AMF associated with S. sumatrensis identified were relatively diverse; consisted of Acaulospora sp., Acaulospora cf. mellea, Glomus sp. 1, Glomus sp. 2, Glomus sp. 3, and Glomus sp. 4. This is the first report showing that S. sumatrensis is a mycotrophic plant in the family of Cyperaceae.