Ectomycorrhizae, arbuscular mycorrhizae, and dark-septate fungi on Salix humboldtiana in two riparian populations from central Argentina

Colonization of Salix humboldtiana (Salicaceae) by ectomycorrhizae (ECM), arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM), and dark-septate endophytic (DSE) fungi was studied throughout autumn on two riparian populations in central Argentina. AM and DSE infection on roots ranged from 0% to 17% and from 2% to 20% respectively, whereas ECM colonization was higher, varying between 33% and 99% for both sites. Seven ECM morphotypes were found on S. humboldtiana roots. The nuclear rDNA internal transcriber spacer (ITS) region from the ectomycorrhizal root tips was amplified using ITS-1F and ITS-4 primers. Two of the seven ECM types were identified by searching GenBank blasts: one attributed to the genus Tomentella (Thelephoraceae) and the second most closely matched to Inocybe sp. (Cortinariaceae). The ECM colonization varied among sampling dates and sites, whereas AM and DSE colonization varied only among sampling dates. Diversity values for the ECM morphotype were not significantly different for autumn months or among the two sites. Positive correlations were found between Inocybe sp. and sites and between Inocybe sp., Tomentella sp., morphotypes III, IV, and VI, and sampling dates. This article provides the first documented evidence of co-occurrence of ECM, AM, and DSE in S. humboldtiana.