Arbuscular Mycorrhizas in Coastal Dunes

Coastal Mycology and Invasive Species: Boundary Conditions for Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Fungi in Incipient Sand Dunes

“…Mycelia work like an extension to the plant roots, growing beyond the phosphorus depletion zone around the roots to take up P, as well as some trace elements from the edaphic environment (Koske et al, 2004). The N percentage at Thirteenth Beach (average 0.020%) is higher than on beaches along the Atlantic Coast of Maine and New Hampshire USA for example, where levels are 0.004-0.012% N by weight (Croker et al, 1975).…”

“…Although gradual or minor disturbances do not necessarily lead to decreases in AM hyphal abundance (Abbott and Robson 1991), hyphal networks in soil are easily disrupted by rapid environmental changes such as storm events. Such events prevent long-term plant colonization (Koske et al, 2004), and as a result, the contribution of AM fungi to plant survival in incipient dunes has been little studied.…”

“…However, little is known about the and Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 75, 2016 284 symbioses of AM fungi and vegetation in incipient dunes, despite a substantial variety of AM fungi being found in sand dunes (Koske et al, 2004). AM fungi are obligate biotrophs, forming symbioses with some 90% of terrestrial vascular plants (Young 2015).…”

“…AM fungi are obligate biotrophs, forming symbioses with some 90% of terrestrial vascular plants (Young 2015). They can substantially enhance their host's ability to uptake water and nutrients (Koske et al, 2004) thereby aiding rapid establishment of plants in disturbed ecosystems. Additionally, glue-like polysaccharides in AM fungal mycelium bind sand grains together (Koske et al, 2004) (Figure 2).…”

“…They can substantially enhance their host's ability to uptake water and nutrients (Koske et al, 2004) thereby aiding rapid establishment of plants in disturbed ecosystems. Additionally, glue-like polysaccharides in AM fungal mycelium bind sand grains together (Koske et al, 2004) (Figure 2). Incipient dunes present a challenging environment in which to study AM fungi, which we hypothesize have a role in the rapid spread of sea wheatgrass.…”