Program Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Suresh Subedi
Document Type
Poster
Location
Face-to-face
Start Date
25-4-2023 11:30 AM
Abstract
The rapid human-driven changes in the environment during the Anthropocene have placed extreme stress on many native plants and animals. Beneficial interactions with microorganisms may be crucial for ameliorating these stressors and facilitating the ecosystem services host organisms provide. The role of an important mutualistic association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the competitive ability and successful adaptation of Arkansas native species by enhancing nutrient uptake has not been previously considered. Analysis of field root and soil samples from the native species in their native range as well as a controlled greenhouse experiment will be conducted to determine the level of mycorrhizal colonization in the roots of native plants and the dependency on mycorrhizal fungi for growth and nutrient uptake. The field root samples are expected to show that native plant species are heavily colonized by AMF in relatively dry conditions compared to mesic or wet sites. The results from the control growth experiment will check whether the mycorrhizal treatment plants have significantly higher relative growth rates and biomass compared to the non-mycorrhizal plants. The dependence of native species on the mycorrhizal fungi for growth and nutrient uptake based on habitat conditions will also be examined. Given the importance of native species for ecosystem services, findings from this study may be critical for the conservation and successful restoration and management of native plants and their habitats in Arkansas.
Recommended Citation
Morse, Rebecca C., "Alleviating Environmental Stresses in Native Arkansas Plants by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation" (2023). ATU Research Symposium. 77.
https://orc.library.atu.edu/atu_rs/2023/2023/77
Included in
Alleviating Environmental Stresses in Native Arkansas Plants by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation
Face-to-face
The rapid human-driven changes in the environment during the Anthropocene have placed extreme stress on many native plants and animals. Beneficial interactions with microorganisms may be crucial for ameliorating these stressors and facilitating the ecosystem services host organisms provide. The role of an important mutualistic association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the competitive ability and successful adaptation of Arkansas native species by enhancing nutrient uptake has not been previously considered. Analysis of field root and soil samples from the native species in their native range as well as a controlled greenhouse experiment will be conducted to determine the level of mycorrhizal colonization in the roots of native plants and the dependency on mycorrhizal fungi for growth and nutrient uptake. The field root samples are expected to show that native plant species are heavily colonized by AMF in relatively dry conditions compared to mesic or wet sites. The results from the control growth experiment will check whether the mycorrhizal treatment plants have significantly higher relative growth rates and biomass compared to the non-mycorrhizal plants. The dependence of native species on the mycorrhizal fungi for growth and nutrient uptake based on habitat conditions will also be examined. Given the importance of native species for ecosystem services, findings from this study may be critical for the conservation and successful restoration and management of native plants and their habitats in Arkansas.