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Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonize decomposing leaves of Myrica parvifolia, M. pubescens and Paepalanthus sp.

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Abstract

Hyphae and vesicles of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were found within the decomposing leaves of Myrica parvifolia, M. pubescens and Paepalanthus sp. at three montane sites in Colombia. Hyphae, vesicles, and arbuscule-like structures were also found within scale-like leaves of the rhizomes of Paepalanthus sp. The litter found in the vicinity of the roots was divided into three decomposition layers. The highest AMF colonization occurred in the most decomposed leaves, which were in close association with roots. In contrast, there were no differences in AMF colonization of roots present in the different decomposition layers. Colonization of decomposing leaves by AMF did not differ between the two closely related species M. parvifolia and M. pubescens, nor between two sites (Guatavita and Zipacón, Colombia) differing in soil fertility. Occurrence of vesicles in decomposing leaves was correlated with abundant AMF extraradical hyphae among the leaves. We propose that AMF enter decomposing leaves mechanically through vascular tissue. As a consequence, AMF are well positioned to obtain and efficiently recycle mineral nutrients released by decomposer microorganisms before their loss by leaching or immobilization in soil.

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Acknowledgements

This research was financed by COLCIENCIAS and Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (PUJ, Colombia). The authors are grateful to Carlos Parra for help in plant identification, and to A. Varela and the Population Ecology Lab at PUJ for facilitating sampling at Zipacón.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, University of Miami, P.O. Box 249118, Coral Gables, FL , 33124, USA

    Catalina Aristizábal & David P. Janos

  2. Departamento de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7a, 43-82, Bogotá, Colombia

    Emma Lucía Rivera

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  1. Catalina Aristizábal
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  2. Emma Lucía Rivera
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  3. David P. Janos
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Correspondence to Catalina Aristizábal.

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Aristizábal, C., Rivera, E.L. & Janos, D.P. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonize decomposing leaves of Myrica parvifolia, M. pubescens and Paepalanthus sp.. Mycorrhiza 14, 221–228 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00572-003-0259-0

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