Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Spore Density Research Articles

Biodiversity and distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Araucaria angustifolia forest

Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Ktze. is an endangered Brazilian coniferous tree that has been almost exterminated in the native areas because of uncontrolled wood exploitation. This tree has been shown to be highly dependent on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and, therefore, AMF may be essential for forest sustainability and biological diversity. Root colonization, density and diversity of AMF spores were assessed in two Araucaria forest stands at the State Park of Alto Ribeira (PETAR), at two sampling dates: May and October. A comparison was made between a mature native stand composed of Araucaria trees mixed into a variety of tropical trees and shrubs, without any sign of anthropogenic interference (FN) and an Araucaria stand planted in 1987 (R), which has been used as a pasture. Assessments included percent root colonization, AMF spore numbers and species richness, Simpson's dominance index (Is), and Shannon's diversity index (H). Mycorrhizal root colonization did not differ between ecosystems in May. In October, however, the native stand (FN) presented a higher colonization than the planted forest (R), and the root colonization was more intense than in May. When considering both sampling periods and forests, 27 species of AM fungi, with higher numbers of spores in FN than in R were found. Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) indicated Shannon's diversity index as the ecological attribute that contributed the most to distinguish between forest ecosystems, with higher value of H in FN in relation to R. CDA showed to be a useful tool for the study of ecological attributes.

Differences of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity and community between a cultivated land, an old field, and a never-cultivated field in a hot and arid ecosystem of southwest China

We investigated the spore density, species composition, and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in a cultivated land (CL), an old field (OF), and a never-cultivated field (NCF), which are located adjacently in a slope in the hot and arid ecosystem of southwest China. AMF spores in the rhizosphere soils of representative plants in the three habitats were extracted by wet-sieving and decanting. A total of 47 taxa of AMF including 31 taxa from the genus Glomus, 8 from Acaulospora, 6 from Scutellospora, 1 from Entrophospora, and 1 from Gigaspora were extracted and identified morphologically. The highest spore density occurred in NCF, slightly lower in OF and lowest in CL, and the Shannon-Wiener index of species diversity was reversed. The dominant species of AMF were different in the three habitats. OF resembled NCF more than CL in AMF spore density, species richness, and community composition, which means that AMF community in the OF has been developing from cultivated land to natural habitat. Cluster analysis based on the similarity in AMF community composition indicated that the distribution of AMF was not random over space and that AMF community composition associated with a given plant species was greatly habitat-convergence. Following the cluster analysis, we hypothesized that the effect of habitats on AMF communities were greater than that of the host preference to AMF.

Biodiversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the hot-dry valley of the Jinsha River, southwest China

The diversity and community structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in two sites (Pudu and Xiao Rivers) with different vegetation in the hot-dry valley of Jinsha River, southwest China, were investigated. Forty-three morphospecies of AMF were identified. Among them, 28 were in the genus Glomus, 7 in Acaulospora, 4 in Scutellospora, 2 in Entrophospora and 2 in Gigaspora. The most common and frequent genus was Glomus, and several species of Glomus and Gigaspora were the most common and frequent among the 43 species present in this hot-dry ecosystem. Although Sorenson's coefficient ( C s = 0.83) revealed considerable overlap in AM fungal species composition, AMF community structure varied considerably between the two sites. Non-random associations between AMF and host plants were commonly observed in this study and suggest some degree of host preference at the species level. AMF spore density (SD) was positively correlated with species richness (SR), and both were differed significantly between the undisturbed Pudu River site and the disturbed Xiao River site. We suggest that the hot-dry valley of Jinsha River appeared to harbor a high diversity of AMF with an uneven distribution, and that natural disturbance (mud-rock flow and landslides) is important in determining the diversity, density, and distribution of AMF.

Diversity and zonal distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal status of the 20 most common plant species distributed in 4 vegetation types (meadow steppe, desert steppe, steppe desert and typical desert) on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains was investigated. Samples of the plant species and their rhizosphere soils were collected from the 4 vegetation zones and examined to compare their mycorrhizal status, AM fungal spore densities, biovolumes, and community structures. 28 AM fungal species were isolated from the rhizosphere soils: of these, 5 belonged to Acaulospora, 1 to Archaeospora and 22 to Glomus. 5 AM fungi, Glomus aggregatum, G. claroideum, G. deserticola, G. etunicatum and G. sinuosum, were observed in all 4 zonal types. No significant differences were observed in mean proportion of root length colonized by AM fungi among the plant species within each zonal type. Comparing the 4 zonal types, Plantago minuta (84.5%) in steppe desert and Eremopyrum orientale (83.1%) in typical desert showed the highest root colonizatsion rates. AM fungal spore densities and biovolumes were significantly different in the different zonal types. AM fungal spore densities and biovolumes, species richness and diversity were highest in meadow steppe and lowest in typical desert.

Ocorrência de Fungos Micorrízicos Arbusculares em resíduo da mineração de bauxita revegetado com espécies arbóreas

Avaliou-se a ocorrência de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs) em tanques contendo resíduo da mineração de bauxita cultivados com espécies arbóreas inoculadas com Glomus clarum Nicol. & Schenck e Gigaspora margarita Becker & Hall na fase de viveiro. Acacia holosericea A. Cunn. ex G. Don juntamente com Sesbania virgata (Cav.) Pers. ou uma mistura de várias espécies foram transplantadas em tanques contendo resíduo de bauxita. Coletaram-se amostras de resíduos em agosto/1998 (estação seca) e abril/1999 (estação chuvosa), extraíram e identificaram-se os esporos de FMAs. Determinaram-se a densidade dos esporos de FMAs, a densidade relativa, a freqüência de ocorrência de cada espécie por período de amostragem e o índice de abundância e freqüência (IAF). A densidade dos esporos e a diversidade das espécies de FMAs foram baixas sob ambas as coberturas. Um maior número de esporos de Glomus clarum, e alto IAF, foram detectados no substrato cultivado com Acacia holosericea e Sesbania virgata na época seca. Isto também ocorreu em ambas as áreas na época chuvosa. Não foram encontrados esporos de Gigaspora margarita em ambas as áreas, nas duas épocas. Independentemente da inoculação, verificaram-se esporos de Archeospora leptoticha (Schenck & Smith) Morton & Redecker, Entrophospora colombiana Spain & Schenck, Acaulospora mellea Spain & Schenck e Glomus macrocarpum Tulasne & Tulasne em abundância.

Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with desert ephemerals growing under and beyond the canopies of Tamarisk shrubs

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal status of the four most common ephemeral plant species, Chorispora tenella (Pall.) DC., Ceratocephalus testiculatus (Crantz) Bess., Eremopyrum orientale (L.) Jaub et. Spash and Veronica campylopoda Boiss growing in an area dominated by Tamarisk shrubs (Tamarix spp.) was investigated. Samples of the four ephemerals and their rhizosphere soils were collected from underneath and beyond the canopies of the Tamarisk shrubs. Plant mycorrhizal status and soil AM fungal spore densities and community structures were analyzed and compared under and beyond the shrub canopies. The mycorrhizal colonization rates of the ephemerals and spore densities in their corresponding rhizosphere soils were significantly lower under the shrub canopies than beyond. The number of AM fungal species under the shrubs (12) was also lower than beyond the canopies (19). When soil properties in the rhizospheres of the four ephemerals were examined, available N and P and total P, organic matter content, total salt content and electrical conductivity (EC) were all higher under the canopies than beyond. In contrast, soil available K and pH showed no such trend. A total of 21 AM fungal species were isolated from rhizosphere soils of the four ephemerals. Five belonged to Acaulospora, one to Archaeospora, thirteen to Glomus and two to Paraglomus. We conclude that the canopies of Tamarix spp. exerted some influence on the AM status of the ephemerals and on the AM fungal communities and some of the properties of their rhizosphere soils.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal dynamics under Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. in Thar Desert

The temporal and spatial dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were investigated in Indian Thar Desert. Soil samples under Mitragyna parvifolia were collected from July 2003 to June 2004. AMF colonization and spore density were used to compare the responses of AMF to different abiotic parameters. The mean percent colonization and spore density of AMF reached maximal values in rainy and summer seasons, respectively. Vesicular and hyphal colonizations were positively correlated with soil organic carbon content. AMF spore density was positively correlated with soil pH and negatively correlated with Olsen P content. A high Shannon–Weiner diversity index of AMF was observed in Thar Desert. A total of fifteen AMF species were associated with M. parvifolia. Percent spore density and species richness suggest that the genus Glomus was the predominant AMF under Thar Desert environment. The reasons for the observed variations are discussed.

Organic and mineral fertilization, respectively, increase and decrease the development of external mycelium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a long-term field experiment

Effects of long-term mineral fertilization and manuring on the biomass of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were studied in a field experiment. Mineral fertilization reduced the growth of AMF, as estimated using both measurements of hyphal length and the signature fatty acid 16:1omega5, whereas manuring alone increased the growth of AMF. The results of AMF root colonization followed the same pattern as AMF hyphal length in soil samples, but not AMF spore densities, which increased with increasing mineral and organic fertilization. AMF spore counts and concentration of 16:1omega5 in soil did not correlate positively, suggesting that a significant portion of spores found in soil samples was dead. AMF hyphal length was not correlated with whole cell fatty acid (WCFA) 18:2omega6,9 levels, a biomarker of saprotrophic fungi, indicating that visual measurements of the AMF mycelium were not distorted by erroneous involvement of hyphae of saprotrophs. Our observations indicate that the measurement of WCFAs in soil is a useful research tool for providing information in the characterization of soil microflora.

Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizae on the Establishment of the Alien Plant Oenothera laciniata (Onagraceae) on a Japanese Coastal Sand Dune

We conducted field and culture experiments to study the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on the establishment of the alien plant Oenothera laciniata (Onagraceae) in a coastal sand dune in Japan. We examined the distribution of plants, AM fungal colonization of their roots, and fungal spore density in the soil of a coastal sand dune at Keinomatsubara, Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan. Of the nine dominant plant species at the study site, six species, including O. laciniata, were heavily colonized by AM fungi. The spore density tended to decrease from inland toward the shoreline, but there were no significant relationships between the level of AM fungal colonization and spore density. Seedlings of O. laciniata inoculated with AM fungi, as well as uninoculated seedlings, were transplanted to the study site. No significant difference in survival rates was detected between the two groups of seedlings. We also examined the effects of AM infection and nutrient (N and P) application on plant growth in a pot culture experiment. The results suggested that the growth of O. laciniata was limited mainly by N availability and that AM mycorrhizae had little effect on the establishment of the plant on the coastal sand dune.

Distribution of three endangered medicinal plant species and their colonization with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

A field study of 12 districts of arid zones of Rajasthan was undertaken to evaluate the occurrence of three selected endangered medicinal plant species ( Leptadenia reticulata, Mitragyna parvifolia, Withania coagulans), and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) associations with them. Five genera were identified in the rhizosphere of these selected plant species. A high diversity of AMF was observed which varied between different host plant species. Among the five genera, Glomus occurred most frequently, with ten species, Acaulospora and Scutellospora were found with three species, respectively, while Gigaspora and Paraglomus were detected with one species each. Glomus constrictum, Glomus fasciculatum, Glomus geosporum, Glomus intraradices, Glomus mosseae and Glomus rubiforme were the most dominant species. The AMF spore density was not clearly affected by the host plant suggesting that biotic factors may be relatively less important than abiotic/edaphic factors for establishing population pattern. The spore density of AMF had a strong positive correlation with soil pH and organic carbon content and a negative correlation with Olsen's P content of the soil. The association with AMF of these plant species native to the harsh environmental conditions of the Indian Thar Desert may play a significant role in the re-establishment and conservation of these multipurpose endangered medicinal plants.

Glomus intraradices dominates arbuscular mycorrhizal communities in a heavy textured agricultural soil

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) spore communities were surveyed in a long-term field fertilization experiment in Switzerland, where different amounts of phosphorus (P) were applied to soil. Plots receiving no P as well as plots systematically fertilized in excess to plant needs for 31 years were used to test the hypothesis that application of P fertilizer changes the composition and diversity of AMF communities. AMF spores were isolated from the field soil, identified, and counted so as to quantify the effect of P fertilization on AMF spore density, composition, and diversity. Trap cultures were established from field soil with four host plants (sunflower, leek, maize, and Crotalaria grahamiana), and the spore communities were then analyzed in substrate samples from the pots. Altogether, nine AMF species were detected in the soil. No evidence has been acquired for effect of P fertilization on spore density, composition, and diversity of AMF in both the field soil and in trap cultures. On the other hand, we observed strong effect of crop plant species on spore densities in the soil, the values being lowest under rapeseed and highest under Phacelia tanacetifolia covercrop. The identity of plant species in trap pots also significantly affected composition and diversity of associated AMF communities, probably due to preferential establishment of symbiosis between certain plant and AMF species. AMF spore communities under mycorrhizal host plants (wheat and Phacelia in the fields and four host plant species in trap pots) were dominated by a single AMF species, Glomus intraradices. This resulted in exceptionally low AMF spore diversity that seems to be linked to high clay content of the soil.

Plant growth, nutrient acquisition and mycorrhizal symbioses of a waterlogging tolerant legume (Lotus glaber Mill.) in a saline-sodic soil

Seedlings of Lotus glaber Mill., were grown in a native saline-sodic soil in a greenhouse for 50 days and then subjected to waterlogging for an additional period of 40 days. The effect of soil waterlogging was evaluated by measuring plant growth allocation, mineral nutrition and soil chemical properties. Rhizobium nodules and mycorrhizal colonisation in L. glaber roots were measured before and after waterlogging. Compared to control plants, waterlogged plants had decreased root/shoot ratio, lower number of stems per plant, lower specific root length and less allocation of P and N to roots. Waterlogged plants showed increased N and P concentrations in plant tissues, larger root crown diameter and longer internodes. Available N and P and organic P, pH and amorphous iron increased in waterlogged soil, but total N, EC and exchangeable sodium were not changed. Soil waterlogging decreased root length colonised by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, arbuscular colonisation and number of entry points per unit of root length colonised. Waterlogging also increased vesicle colonisation and Rhizobium nodules on roots. AM fungal spore density was lower at the end of the experiment in non-waterlogged soil but was not reduced under waterlogging. The results indicate that L. glaber can grow, become nodulated by Rhizobium and colonised by mycorrhizas under waterlogged condition. The responses of L. glaber may be related its ability to form aerenchyma.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of Macaranga denticulata Muell. Arg., and their effect on the host plant

A fallow enriching tree, Macaranga denticulata Muell. Arg., has been shown to increase rice yield in a rotational shifting cultivation system in northern Thailand through increased accumulation of mineral nutrients. As arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi may play an important role in nutrient accumulation, AM fungi in the rhizosphere of M. denticulata and the effects of the indigenous soil inoculum on the host plant were investigated. The diversity and abundance of AM fungi were documented for the rhizosphere of M. denticulata in the field for two years. Based on morphology, 29 species of AM fungi were found in the rhizosphere of M. denticulata growing in farmers' fields. Root colonization ranged from 63.5 to 81.5% in the first year and 68.7 to 79.9% in the second year of study. The highest spore density was observed at the end of the wet season. The effects of indigenous soil inoculum, and N and P fertilizers on the host plant were investigated in pots for four months. Inoculation with soil-containing AM fungi strongly increased plant growth and nutrient contents when P was limiting but N was applied. Application of N and P together strongly depressed root colonization and spore density of AM fungi, whereas applying them separately had much less effect. AM fungi may play an important role in nutrient accumulation in M. denticulata-rich fallow and thus in nutrient cycling that is beneficial to the maintenance of upland rice yield and sustainability of the rotational shifting cultivation system.

Survey of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in deforested and natural forest land in the subtropical region of Dujiangyan, southwest China

The diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in deforested (Mantoushan) and natural forest (Banruosi) land in the subtropical region of Dujiangyan was surveyed and compared. A total of 44 taxa of AM fungi were isolated, and the same number of AM fungus taxa (34 taxa) was found in both deforested and natural forest land. Acaulospora and Glomus were the dominant genera in the two sites. Glomus convolutum and G. versiforme were the dominant species in the natural forest land, while only G. versiforme was dominant in the deforested land. There was no significant difference in total spore density of AM fungi between the two sites, but the total species richness of AM fungi was significantly higher in the deforested land than in the natural forest land. The Shannon-Weiner index of AM fungus diversity was a higher in the natural forest land (2.67) than in the deforested land (2.15). There was high AM fungus composition similarity (Sorenson's coefficient CS=0.71) between the two sites. We suggest that there was little effect of deforestation on the diversity of AM fungi, and that annual herbaceous plants play a major role in maintaining and increasing AM fungus spore density and species richness in deforested land.

Ocorrência de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares em áreas revegetadas após mineração de bauxita em Porto Trombetas, Pará

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição e a diversidade de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMA) em áreas em processo de revegetação na região de Porto Trombetas, PA. Coletaram-se amostras compostas de solo em revegetação com 2, 4, 6, 12 e 16 anos, em subsolo exposto sem vegetação e em floresta primária, nos meses de agosto de 1998 (estação seca) e abril de 1999 (estação chuvosa). Os esporos de FMA foram extraídos e identificados taxonomicamente. Analisou-se a densidade relativa, a freqüência de cada espécie e os índices de Shannon-Wiener e de Simpson. Os resultados indicaram que a densidade de esporos de FMA não diferiu significativamente em razão da estação do ano. O número de espécies foi maior no período seco, na floresta primária e na área revegetada aos 2 anos de idade. Entre as espécies de FMA recuperadas, Glomus macrocarpum e Acaulospora mellea foram as que apresentaram maior ocorrência. A diversidade de espécies de FMA foi mais alta e a dominância de espécies foi mais baixa na área revegetada com 2 anos de idade. O retorno do horizonte superficial orgânico com o plantio de mudas micorrizadas é uma prática eficiente para a produção de esporos em subsolo resultante da mineração de bauxita.

Arbuscular mycorrhizas in a valley-type savanna in southwest China.

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) status of 67 plant species in a savanna community in the hot, dry valley of Jinsha River, southwest China was surveyed. It was found that about 95% of the plant species formed AM and 5% possibly formed AM. The composition of AM fungi (AMF) in the rhizosphere soils was also investigated. The AMF spore density ranged from 5 to 6,400 per 100 g soil, with an average of 1,530, and these spores/sporocarps were identified as belonging to six genera. Fungi belonging to the genera Glomus and Acaulospora were the dominant AMF. High densities of AMF spores in the rhizosphere soils, and the intensive colonization of the plant roots, indicated that plants grown in this valley-type savanna may be highly dependent on AM.

Population of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in semi-arid environment of Jordan as influenced by biotic and abiotic factors

This study was conducted to evaluate the population of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the semi-rid agro-ecosystem of North Jordan and to evaluate the effect of the biotic and abiotic factors on AMF population. Soil samples were collected from 12 locations where several soil samples were collected from each location. The collected soil samples were analysed for chemical and physical properties and spores were separated from the soil by the floating–adhesion technique and examined by the dissecting microscope. The AMF spores densities vary among locations and crops. The spore density was relatively low, with the highest observed under fruit trees and the lowest under a fallow system. Eight species were identified. Glomus mosseae was the most common species among samples, which was found in 85% of the soil samples collected. G. geosporum was found in 20%, while G. constrictum and G. clarum were found in 10% of the samples collected. G. caledomium was found in 8% of the samples. The lowest occurrence was observed for the G. monosporum and G. clariodum, which were found in only 5% of samples collected. Twenty percent of the samples collected contained Acaulospora spp. The spore density was not clearly affected neither by the host plants nor by the location, which suggest the absence of location or plant specificity for the AMF observed in soils of North Jordan. This may suggest that other factors could have an effect on mycorrhizal distribution. Therefore, biotic factors may be relatively less important than abiotic factors for establishing population patterns. The spore density of AMF had a very weak correlation with the soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC), and no significant correlation with the percentages of soil clay and silt particles. The organic matter (OM) and CaCO 3 percentages were significantly positively correlated with AMF spore density. On the other hand, the AMF spore density was negatively related to the soil phosphorus. In conclusion, the G. mosseae was the most common AMF species and no host plant or geographic location specificity was observed, suggesting the population of AMF species was affected mainly by abiotic factors and cropping patterns.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal status of plants and the spore density of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the tropical rain forest of Xishuangbanna, southwest China

The arbuscular mycorrhizal status of 112 plant species and the spore density of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the rhizosphere soil of these plants in the tropical rain forest of Xishuangbanna, southwest China, were surveyed. It was found that 56% of the surveyed species were arbuscular mycorrhizal, 31% were possibly arbuscular mycorrhizal and 13% were non-mycorrhizal. The spore density of AMF ranged from 55 to 1,908 per 100g soil, with an average of 476. The rhizosphere soil from the arbuscular mycorrhizal plants did not always have a higher AMF spore density than that from the possibly mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants. The clumped distribution of AMF spores and the complex structure of the underground component of the tropical rain forest may be two important factors that affected the spore density of AMF. Fungi belonging to the genera Acaulospora and Glomus are the dominant AMF in the soil of the tropical rain forest of Xishuangbanna.

Long-Term Reestablishment of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in a Drastically Disturbed Semiarid Surface Mine Soil

Reestablishment of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in severely disturbed soil on a surface mine reclamation site inoculated with native endophytes in 1983 was examined in 1997. At that earlier time (1983) research had been initiated on a newly reclaimed site to test the hypothesis that native AM fungi would form effec tive mycorrhizae and would improve growth of W yoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) in severely disturbed reclamation soil. Data collected during 1984 and 1985 did not support that hypothesis and it was concluded that native AM fungi inoculated onto the site were not tolerant of the altered soil environmental conditions in the reclamation soil. Reexamination of the site in 1997 indicated that soil environmental conditions were becoming more similar to those before disturbance and AM fungal populations were recovering. Soil analyses in 1997 show an approximate 1 % increase in soil organic matter content, improvement in soil structure compared to 1983, and decreases in amounts of soluble salts and Na. Mycorrhizal inoculum potential of the disturbed soil and levels of mycorrhizae formation on sagebrush roots on the site were much greater in 1997 than in 1985. Also, AM fungal spore density in 1997 was not significantly different in reclamation soil than in adjacent undisturbed native soil. These observations were interpreted as evidence that populations of AM fungi on the site are recovering and becoming more active as soil environmental conditions ameliorate.

Soil parameters and plant responses associated with arbuscular mycorrhizas from contrasting grassland management regimes

Increased interest in sustainable low-input forms of agriculture has focused attention on the role of beneficial soil micro-symbionts, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), in plant productivity and health. Root colonisation by AMF and AMF spore density was significantly lower in grassland soils with a history of high-input, conventional management than in soils with a low-input or organic management. Spores of AMF isolated from contrasting management regimes, taken from a total of 24 sites at 13 farms, were used in a series of inoculation trials involving three host plants ( Allium ameloprasum L., Trifolium repens L. and Lolium perenne L.). The mean yield response (measured as shoot dry weight) was significantly greater when host plants were inoculated with spores taken from farms with organic rather than high-input management for both Allium and Trifolium hosts. Very low levels of root infection in Lolium hosts excluded these plants from further analysis. Not all organic farms had highly effective AMF associations however, and some highly effective AMF isolates were found in high-input systems.