Abstract
Grassland ecosystems occupy significant areas worldwide and represent a reservoir for biodiversity. These areas are characterized by oligotrophic conditions that stimulate mycorrhizal symbiotic partnerships to meet nutritional requirements. In this study, we selected Festuca rubra for its dominance in the studied mountain grassland, based on the fact that grasses more easily accept a symbiotic partner. Quantification of the entire symbiosis process, both the degree of colonization and the presence of a fungal structure, was performed using the root mycorrhizal pattern method. Analysis of data normality indicated colonization frequency as the best parameter for assessing the entire mycorrhizal mechanism, with five equal levels, each of 20%. Most of the root samples showed an intensity of colonization between 0 and 20% and a maximum of arbuscules of about 5%. The colonization degree had an average value of 35%, which indicated a medium permissiveness of roots for mycorrhizal partners. Based on frequency regression models, the intensity of colonization presented high fluctuations at 50% frequency, while the arbuscule development potential was set to a maximum of 5% in mycorrhized areas. Arbuscules were limited due to the unbalanced and unequal root development and their colonizing hyphal networks. The general regression model indicated that only 20% of intra-radicular hyphae have the potential to form arbuscules. The colonization patterns of dominant species in mountain grasslands represent a necessary step for improved understanding of the symbiont strategies that sustain the stability and persistence of these species.
Highlights
Grasslands are one of the most widespread types of ecosystems in the world, characterized by the presence of herbaceous species that are grown close to the ground because of their main use as animal feed [1]
The database used for this projection contains 900 observations, which represents the potential of the entire symbiotic process between soil-native mycorrhizas and Festuca rubra
The data set was divided according to this parameter to test the general trend of the symbiont process within Festuca rubra in the grassland ecosystem
Summary
Grasslands are one of the most widespread types of ecosystems in the world, characterized by the presence of herbaceous species that are grown close to the ground because of their main use as animal feed [1]. Unfavorable environmental conditions (e.g., lack of nutrients, poor water regime, soil pH) and improper grassland management represent a constant pressure on the stability of grasslands [2] These ecosystems occur naturally on all continents, with an estimated area of 52.5 million km, or 40.5% of the earth’s surface, except Greenland and Antarctica [3]. Their main function is productivity, but they control solar energy, produce complex organic matter, are an important source of food for animals, and have a high ecological value for the diversity of fauna, which, in turn, supports human livelihoods [4]. Grassland protection has been a major goal lately in order to ensure their food security and sustainability
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