Evaluación de la colonización de hongos micorrízicos arbusculares de Gynoxys verrucosa

Abstract

The symbiotic association between the roots of most terrestrial plants and fungi of Phylum Glomeromycota are known as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which increase the uptake of nutrients in plants and protect them against the attack of soil pathogens. Due to its importance it is necessary to determine the presence of these fungi in the roots of G. verrucosa, which has been studied for containing secondary metabolites with potential interest in biomedics. The presence of AMF in the roots of G. verrucosa was determined in four localities the South of Ecuador. The percentages of colonization were related to each population, phenological state of the plants and soil type. The roots were stained and observed under a microscope to verify the presence of the characteristic structures of AMF. For the percentage of colonization the method was used Trouvelot. The analysis of colonization results showed significant differences (P = 0.05) among populations. Differences were found in phenological status (P = 0.05) and soil type (P = 0.05), suggesting that under natural conditions the plants are colonized by AMF