Arbuscular mycorrhizae and ectomycorrhizae in native tree legumes in Uruguay

The level of colonization by ectomycorrhizae (ECM) and arbuscular endomycorrhizae (AM) Of 23 species of native trees and shrub legumes was studied. Root samples were obtained from different regions of Uruguay. Colonization level was determined by observing AM fungal structures (hyphae, arbuscules, vesicules) in stained root segments. The number and morphological type of spores were determined in 100 g of rhizosphere soil. Ectomycorrhizal colonization was evaluated by direct and microscopic observation of root tips. All species had a high level of AM colonization. In Papilionoideae colonization varied between 62% and 78%, in the Mimosoideae between 18% and 69% and in the Caesalpinioideae the variation was larger (6-74%). These results show a significant presence of fungi that form arbuscular mycorrhizae in our soils. The number of spores forming AM in rhizosphere soil (280-1.620 spores/100 g of dry soil) was also highly relative to references for other leguminous trees. Spores were grouped in three principal morphological types Acaulospora, Glomus and Sclerocystis. Presence of ECM fungi was evident only when observed under the microscope. 26% of the plant species exhibited this type of mycorrhizae, reaching a maximal value of 36% in Mimosoideae. Only six plant species exhibited both types of mycorrhizae. Dual colonization could help in the colonization of poor soils and for their use in agroforestry systems. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.