Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity in an Ethiopian montane forest with special emphasis on nurse-tree effect

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Preliminary results from the ongoing work of a multidisciplinary study that aims at a scientific basis for a sustainable management of the Munessa-Shashemene forest as a model for other semi-decidouous forests of Ethiopia, reported the so-called nurse-tree effect. They documented higher density of regenerating native species under canopies of introduced Eucalyptus saligna, and E. globulus as compared to regeneration density in a natural forest. In such forest ecosystems, where seeds are dispersed without their mycorrhizal symbiont, tree species acquire a symbiont at the time of germination and the effectiveness of the existing AMF community is one important component of seedling establishment and growth. To get a better knowledge of the functioning of this particular ecosystem the work shall be complimented by investigation of the mycorrhizal status and the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities colonizing the nurse trees and the regeneratin indigenous tree seedlings. The project will also evaluate the mycorrhizal state of seedlings of diverse indigenous trees studied in respect to nutrient situations and water availability. Finally the project will provide inoculum of indigenous AMF for experimental designs and nurseries.