Determinación del porcentaje de colonización de hongos micorrízicos arbusculares (HMA) en plantaciones de Bixa orellana

Abstract

Microorganisms play an important role in the maintenance of ecosystems. Among the most important groups are arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which are associated with important forest species and crops contributing to the stability of ecosystems. Despite of their economic and ecological importance, there is not enough information on the presence of these in native plants species and the role they play in them, as is the case of the Bixa orellana species. The aim of this research was to verify and quantify the presence of AMF in the roots of B. orellana by coupling root staining, microscopy and evaluating the percentage of root colonization, according to Trouvelot et al. (1986). Additionally, the relation between the level of root colonization and the phenological state and genetic diversity of plants was assessed. Samplings were carried out in four localities of the provinces of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe. The PRISM software was used to perform the statistical analyzes. The results showed significant differences between the percentage of colonization and the variables analyzed in relation to the sampled areas.