Dispersal and transport of mycorrhizal propagules in tropical dry forest

Abstract

Animals are an important factor in the dispersal of propagules of mycorrhizal fungi in tropical dry forest ecosystems. In this literature review, emphasis is placed on the different forms of dispersal that animals can perform by ingesting or due to the adherence to external structures to disperse mycorrhizal propagules both horizontally and vertically. Most of the publications come from studies conducted in various tropical ecosystems (tundra, forest, savannah, and grasslands), however, in this review special emphasis was placed on studies that report those groups of organisms found in the tropical dry forest ecosystem. In the case of invertebrates, it is evident the potential for dispersion of mycorrhizal fungi in different stages of development of the animals, as well as their mobility in activities carried out for feeding and construction of burrows. The effective dispersion of mycorrhizal fungi occurs especially through springtails, mites, earthworms, nematodes, ants, isopods, diplopods, crustaceans, diptera, wasps, beetles, and grasshoppers. Fungal dispersal can also be favored by different groups of vertebrates, such as mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The most important are rodents and birds, which disperse mycorrhizal fungi over long distances by consuming propagules attached to their food and external structures. The literature shows the importance of fauna in the dispersion of mycorrhizal fungi in dry forest ecosystems. The present review promotes the reduction of the knowledge gap around the dispersion of fungal structures, specialized dynamics, and spatial functioning of the ecosystem.