The diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of Rosa acicularis ‘Luhe’ in saline areas

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the soil encompass a diversity of species and play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance. However, little research has focused on the AMF diversity of Rosa acicularis Lindl. ‘Luhe’, which has been cultivated in northeastern saline areas, because of its strong salt tolerance and cold resistance. In the present study the AMF in the rhizosphere of R. acicularis Luhe were identified and AMF diversity and community composition were assessed using morphological and molecular techniques. Vesicles, hyphae, and arbuscular structures were observed in seedlings of different ages. Result shows that AMF established a good symbiotic relationship with R. acicularis Luhe. The colonization rate and spore density tended to increase over time. The AMF diversity in the rhizosphere of R. acicularis Luhe was low and four species of AMF were validated: Rhizophagus irregularis, Glomus aggregatum, Septoglomus furcatum, and Funneliformis mosseae. Of these, R. irregularis and G. aggregatum were dominant and have high salt tolerance. Determining the AMF diversity in the rhizosphere of R. acicularis Luhe will aid in screening AMF species with strong resistance and using mycorrhizas for plant establishment in breeding programs.