Overview of vegetation factors related to the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and their interactions in karst areas

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can play an important role in the ecological restoration of karst areas. They form symbiotic relationships with most karst plants and improve the stress resistance of the host plants. Vegetation-related factors are important determinants of AMF diversity, and AMF diversity is elevated in highly heterogeneous karst areas. Several studies have evaluated the relationships between the environment, climate, and other factors in karst areas and AMF diversity; however, few studies have focused on the relationships between vegetation-related factors and AMF diversity. In this review, we describe the families and genera associated with AMF in root soils of representative vegetation in karst regions. We summarize four key vegetation-related factors associated with AMF diversity in karst areas (i.e., vegetation specificity, dominant species and competition, forest management methods, and plant phenology and age) and provide possible explanations for the correlations between these factors and changes in AMF diversity. We further explore the dynamic relationship between AMF diversity and vegetation in karst areas, demonstrating that the relationship is not determined by a simple coordinated developmental process. Research in this area is expected to further clarify the diversity and distribution characteristics of AMF resources in karst areas, provide a reference for the selection and application of AMF in the process of vegetation restoration in karst areas, and promote the use of broad types of AMF in restoring karst areas.