Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Colombian Amazon: A Historical Review

Abstract

AbstractMycorrhizal associations are poorly studied in tropical environments, including the Amazon region. This chapter discusses advances and limitations with a historical perspective on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) associations in the Colombian Amazon, based on the analysis of more than 1200 samples collected during the last decade. This data provides insights into the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity and richness trends across the Colombian Amazon, including their relationship with the ongoing deforestation activities. This chapter also addresses particular information about the arbuscular mycorrhization of two important plant species from the Euphorbiaceae: the manioc (Manihot esculenta) and the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). These species were analyzed more in depth given their relevance to the local economy, raising new questions about the arbuscular mycorrhization of phylogenetically related plant species. Overall, the data and molecular analyses performed in the last decade clearly indicate a fast evolution in the recommended and available molecular approaches. In turn, this has generated serious limitations on the comparison among samples due to the different use of primers and sequencing methods. Undoubtedly, this chapter presents the most complete overview of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi described in the Colombian Amazon region, an extension of 483.164 km2 of the upper Amazon basin.KeywordsFungal diversityGlomeromycotaNext-generation sequencingState of the artUpper Amazon region