Habitat Difference Analysis of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization and Spore Density for Seven Compositae Invasive Species in Guangzhou

Abstract:

In order to understand the symbiosis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) with Compositae invasive plants in Guangzhou, the AMF colonization rate and spore density of 7 Compositae invasive plant species in four habitats were studied, and the effect of soil factors on AMF was also analyzed. The results showed that all the investigated plants were colonized by AMF, AMF spores were detected from all soil samples. AMF colonization rate showed significant difference among hosts, but not among habitats. AMF spore density was significantly different both among hosts and habitats, among which, spore density was significantly higher in artificial green land, farmland and orchard than that in forest surround and coastal area. Correlation analysis showed that spore density was negatively correlated with soil organic matter content in farmland and orchard, AMF colonization rate was positively correlated with total N content in forest surround, AMF colonization rate was negatively correlated with available N content and available P content in artificial green land and coastal area, respectively. These could play an important role in understanding the invasion mechanisms of Compositae species.

Key words:Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi;Colonization rate;Spore density;Compositae;Invasive plant;Habitat