Mycorrhizal diversity in arctic and alpine tundra:
An open question
Gardes, M1 and
Dahlberg, A.2
1
Université Paul-Sabatier/Toulouse III, Laboratoire Botanique
et
Forestier, 39 Allée Jules Guesde, 31062 Toulouse, FRANCE
2
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-75007 Uppsala, SWEDEN
Abstract
Current knowledge of mycorrhizal diversity in arctic and alpine
tundra is based mainly on static surveys of mycorrhizal associations
of plant taxa and fruiting patterns of selected ectomycorrhizal fungal
species in specific habitats. Within these limitations, it appears that:
(1) non-mycorrhizal plants are widespread and predominate in
certain plant communities; (2) typical arbuscular mycorrhizal
associations are ubiquitous in low arctic and alpine areas but that the
level of root colonization is highly variable; (3) root colonization by
dark septate fungi is a common event but that their ecological
significance is still unknown; (4) a large number of ectomycorrhizal
fungal species are present as symbionts of a relatively few widely
distributed shrubs and herbaceous plant taxa; (5) ericaceous plants
with ericoid mycorrhizas dominate large arctic and alpine areas
covered by heath communities. Physical environmental features
strongly limit and shape species diversity in arctic and alpine tundra.
Cold-dominated environments provide extreme conditions for the
establishment and functioning of mycorrhizal associations. Therefore,
such systems are simple models to address the ecology and evolution
of mycorrhizal symbioses. Molecular methods to identify mycorrhizal
fungi on plant roots will resolve questions related to the structure
and dynamics of communities of mycorrhizal fungi in arctic and
alpine tundra.
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