Iran is the largest producer of saffron (Crocus sativus) in the world. More than 80% of higher plant species have a mutual relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, which enhances the plant growth and its productivity. With identification of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and their application, it could be possible to expand saffron cultivated area and increase the performance of arable lands. ...

The identity of Pselaphodes walkeri (Sharp, 1892) is clarified based on examinations of the holotype and recently collect-ed material from the type locality (Damao Island, Zhoushan Archipelago). Previous records of P. walkeri from West Tian-mushan Mountain (Zhejiang), Baishanzu Natural Reserve (Zhejiang) and Wuyishan Mountain (Jiangxi) are proven to be based on misidentifications, populations t...

Solanum nigrum was found to proliferate in sediments with high levels of metal pollution. The effect of Zn on plant growth and tissue metal accumulation was assessed. The response of the plant to the inoculation with four different isolates of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Glomus sp. BEG140, Glomus claroideum, Glomus mosseae and Glomus intraradices) was studied. While the isolates of AMF ...

The presence of high concentrations of arsenic (As) decreased the shoot and root dry weight, chlorophyll and P and Mg content of Eucalyptus globulus colonized with the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi Glomus deserticola or G. claroideum, but these parameters were higher than in non-AM plants. As increased the percentage of AM length colonization and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity in th...

Large fraction of mineral nutrients in natural soil environments is recycled from complex and heterogeneously distributed organic sources. These sources are explored by both roots and associated mycorrhizal fungi. However, the mechanisms behind the responses of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) hyphal networks to soil organic patches of different qualities remain little understood. Therefore, we cond...

Mycorrhizal inoculation stimulates growth, photosynthesis and nutrient uptake in a wide range of host plants. However, the ultimate effects of arbuscular mycorrhyzal (AM) symbiosis vary with the plants and fungal species involved in the association. Therefore, identification of the appropriate combinations of AM fungi (AMF) that interact synergistically to improve their benefits is of high sign...

The colonisation intensity and composition of the mycorrhizal community in the aquatic plants Lobelia dortmanna and Littorella uniflora were studied. The mycorrhizal fungi were characterised by fungal specific nested PCR and sequencing using the 5'-end of the LSU rDNA as target. For this, primers for the clade of Acaulospora, the clade including Glomus mosseae and G. intraradices and the clade ...

Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense) is a perennial shrub plant mainly cultivated in Ecuador, Colombia, and Central America where it represents an important cash crop. Current cultivation practices not only cause deforestation and large-scale soil degradation but also make plants highly susceptible to pests and diseases. The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can offer a possibility to overcom...