Temporal variation in the composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a temperate forest

Abstract

The study of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) composition allows the analysis of temporal patterns of these microorganisms in different ecosystems, as well as the identification of species tolerant to environmental changes. The objective of this research was to evaluate if there are temporal changes in the composition of AMF in a Mexican temperate forest. Soil samples (300 g) were collected in eight plots at two different altitudes during the rainy and dry seasons in 2015, 2017, and 2019. AMF spores were extracted using the technique of wet sieving and sucrose gradient. The Jaccard index was used to calculate the similarity of the species between years. A Venn diagram was constructed to know the number of common and exclusive species and a two-way cluster to determine the grouping of species. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was performed to correlate the composition of AMF with abiotic factors. A total of 38 AMF species were recorded, grouped into 15 genera and 6 families. Species present in the three years and both seasons were found: Acaulospora delicata, Acaulospora laevis, Acaulospora mellea, Funneliformis geosporus, Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus fasciculatus. The CCA showed the influence of temperature, organic matter, and pH on HMA composition. These species have potential use for restoration or reforestation due to their ability to tolerate changes in environmental conditions. In conclusion, the composition of the HMA is subject to temporary changes over the years.