Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark mycelium endophytes in an altitudinal gradient in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) there are fundamental role in the absorption of nutrients, plant survival and soil structure. Currently, studies of the importance of AMF in ecosystems are increasing worldwide. Also recently a number of researchers found that plants associated with AMF may also be associated with fungal mycelium dark. Although a recent study, it was observed that the dark septate endophytes (DSE), usually Ascomycetes, can promote the growth of plants in different environments. The purpose of this project is to survey the presence of AMF and DSE in Atlantic Forest areas in an altitudinal gradient, it can result in responses greater ecological relevance, as the influence of host plant, soil attributes, seasonality and altitude on occurrence and diversity of these fungi. This proposal has an innovative character and manifests itself as relevant to the research, given the lack of detailed work over the long term describing the diversity of AMF and DSE with plant species belonging to the Atlantic forest at different altitudes. It is hoped that work with a better understanding of diversity, function and potential of AMF and DSE present in the Atlantic Forest and understand its relationship to other ecological factors of the ecosystem, and to clarify the gap on the benefits of DSE for the plants and know the preference of certain plant species by AMF and DSE. (AU)