Frecuencia intraradicular de micorrizas arbusculares en malezas de huertos urbanos con diferentes manejos agronómicos en la ciudad de Loja

Abstract

Abstract: The richness and the changes in the arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of the most abundant weeds in urban orchards were evaluated under three agronomic managements (application of urea, glyphosate and organic fertilizer). In six orchards for management, three to five square meter squares were established to quantify weed species and collect roots for the histological analysis of their mycorrhizae. There were no significant differences in weed richness between management. Mycorrhizal colonization in orchards treated with glyphosate was significantly higher (58.1%) than in those treated with organic fertilizer (44.2%) or with urea (32.4%). Contrary to the expected, the application of the herbicide did not affect the mycotrophy of the weeds, in fact, all the treatments were colonized by arbuscules (10-28%), which are commonly difficult to observe. It is proposed to consider weeds as a source of arbuscular mycorrhizal propagules for a sustainable management of these urban orchards.