Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and growth of Eremanthus incanus Less. in a highland field

This paper focuses on Eremanthus incanus Less. (Asteraceae), a common species of highland regions in Brazil. The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) inoculation on plant growth (height and diameter) was evaluated. Roots were examined from individuals randomly selected from undisturbed areas of highland vegetation and from an experimental restored site. Results showed that E. incanus presented high AM colonization both in restored and undisturbed sites. Moreover, AM colonization was significantly higher in the inoculated treatment than in the non-inoculated one. The species presented Arum-type colonization and frequent production of vesicles, especially in the restored site. Arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation stimulated plant growth (height and diameter). Ten AM fungi (AMF) taxa were found in the studied rooting zones: Acaulospora spinosa, A. elegans, A. foveata, Acaulospora sp., Gigaspora margarita, Glomus sp., Dentiscutata biornata, D. cerradensis, Dentiscutata sp. and Racocetra verrucosa. These results revealed that AMF is a common and important component in highland vegetation in Brazil, and should be included in future restoration programs.