The role of arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) in the establishment of rainforest tree seedlings, and the application of AM fungi for reforestation approaches

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The 215 described species of Glomeromycota represent only a small fraction of their species diversity. Up to now, molecular ecological community analyses on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF, Glomeromycota) mostly were lacking species level resolution, and they were often strongly biased by the methods used. We are introducing improved methods to solve the pitfalls of molecular AMF monitoring. To understand functional roles of the obligate symbiotic AMF in native Ecuadorian trees and to make AMF applicable in reforestation, we will: 1) perform molecular monitoring of AMF in natural forest seedlings (baseline data); 2) define the AMF established in previously planted trees in >4 years old plots (baseline data); 3) monitor the AMF succession in direct seeded tree seedlings (reforestation); 4) evaluate the potential of AMF inoculation for improving the performance of tree seedlings in the nursery and field; 5) characterise AMF for nursery application; 6) investigate ecological roles, e.g. whether heat resistant AMF colonise heat resistant bracken fern. The succession of AMF will be monitored by 454FLX Titanium deep sequencing, and compared to natural forest data. The identification of AMF useful for efficient reforestation attempts will help to speed-up the slow succession towards a natural , diverse forest.