Relationship between soil nutrients and mycorrhizal associations of two Bipinnula species (Orchidaceae) from central Chile.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Mycorrhizal associations are influenced by abiotic and biotic factors, including climate, soil conditions and the identity of host plants. However, the effect of environmental conditions on orchid mycorrhizal associations remains poorly understood. The present study examined how differences in soil nutrient availability are related to the diversity and composition of mycorrhizal fungi associated with two terrestrial orchid species from central Chile.

Methods

For 12 populations of Bipinnula fimbriata and B. plumosa, OTU (operational taxonomic unit) richness, phylogenetic diversity and community composition of mycorrhizal fungi in root samples were estimated using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Then, these mycorrhizal diversity variables were

SUBMITTER: Mujica MI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4934401 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature