A simple and low-cost technique to initiate single-spore cultures of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi using a superabsorbent polymer

Abstract Most species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are propagated with a host plant in pot culture. However, the soil matrix makes it difficult to monitor establishment and development symbiosis. In vitro culturing using Ri T-DNA transformed roots provides clear medium sterile environment which offsets constraints matrix. Nevertheless, conditions provide very different growing compared Transparent based on superabsorbent polymer (SAP) has potential combining advantages current vivo culture methods without associated either technique (opacity sterility). Here we describe SAP-based autotrophic as an alternative methods. This system two-compartment Petri dishes easy initiate single-spore cultures fungal propagation. The allowed seven ( Diversispora varaderana , Funneliformis geosporus, Gigaspora rosea, Racocetra fulgida, Rhizophagus irregularis, R. intraradices Sclerocystis sp.) from six genera three families. Cultures were maintained over several months under non-sterile conditions. avoid problem cross contamination they can be stacked for space optimization. grains SAP colonized new spores used inoculum system. method is low-cost low-tech approach, study AMF much more accessible.