Abstract
ABSTRACT Syngonanthus elegans is an endangered plant species occurring in the Brazilian Cerrado whose interaction with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is poorly understood. The aim of this work was to evaluate the occurrence of AMF species and mycorrhizal colonization of S. elegans in two sampling areas named "Soberbo" stream (Soberbo) and "Parque Nacional das Sempre-Vivas" (Park), both found in Diamantina-MG, Brazil. In each area, one plot (100 x 100 m) was established, and roots and soil samples near the roots were collected from 10 plants in each plot. Further sampling included three specimens each of Loudetiopsis chrysothrix and Xyris sp.. Typical mycorrhizal colonization structures were observed in S. elegans roots, and colonization was measured at 75%. Considering both sites and all three hosts, 26 AMF species were recovered, 8 of which were identified only at the genus level. Glomus sp. 1, Scutellospora pernambucana, Acaulospora cavernata and Acaulospora mellea were classified as dominant in both areas. Other species were also considered dominant, including Glomus sp. 4 in Soberbo and Dentiscutata biornata and Gigaspora albida in Park. Trap cultures revealed the presence of seven additional species. For S. elegans, AMF species richness was slightly higher in Park than in Soberbo. Simpson diversity and evenness were slightly higher in Soberbo for S. elegans-associated AMF communities. Overall, S. elegans is highly colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and is associated with a wide range of AMF species in the field, suggesting that this association is important for the establishment and survival of this threatened species. Some of the observed species may be new to science.
Highlights
Syngonanthus species (Eriocaulaceae) are known as star flowers or everlasting plants because their inflorescence and scapes maintain their form and color even long after harvesting (Borba; Amorim, 2007; Miranda; Giulietti, 2001)
S. elegans is highly colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and is associated with a wide range of AMF species in the field, suggesting that this association is important for the establishment and survival of this threatened species
S. elegans is an endemic of the Rupestrian fields or Rupestrian grasslands, a unique ecoregion that covers portions of the southeastern Brazilian mountains in the transition between the Atlantic rain forest and the Cerrado domains
Summary
Syngonanthus species (Eriocaulaceae) are known as star flowers or everlasting plants because their inflorescence and scapes maintain their form and color even long after harvesting (Borba; Amorim, 2007; Miranda; Giulietti, 2001). Syngonanthus elegans (Bong.) Ruhland, the gold feet everlasting plant, is one of the most valuable star flowers species due to its long golden scape, which is used for handmade crafts Plants of this species are harvested by local communities in an extractivist way as an alternative source of revenue, leading this species to be considered at risk of extinction (Borba; Amorim, 2007; Menezes; Giulietti, 2000). S. elegans is an endemic of the Rupestrian fields or Rupestrian grasslands, a unique ecoregion that covers portions of the southeastern Brazilian mountains in the transition between the Atlantic rain forest and the Cerrado domains This ecoregion is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, occurring in altitudes above 900 m with rocky areas, shallow soils, sandy plateaus and experiencing drought periods alternated with hydric soil saturation (Joly, 1970; Giulietti; Pirani; Harley, 1997; Menezes; Giulietti, 2000; Conceição; Pirani, 2007). This mucilage possibly favors the relationship of these plants with soil microorganisms such as associative bacteria and fungi including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)
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