Fungal root endophyte associations of plants endemic to the Pamir Alay Mountains of Central Asia

A study on fungal root endophyte associations of 16 endemic plant species from the Pamir Alay Mountains, Central Asia, reveals that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were present in 15 species, with varying colonization types, while absent only in Matthiola integrifolia. This is the first report of AM status and morphology for all studied species, including three genera. Dark septate endophytes (DSE) accompanied AMF colonization in ten species, with low colonization frequency except in Spiraea baldschuanica. Sporangia of Olpidium spp. were sporadically found in three plant species' roots. Seven AMF species from the Glomeromycota phylum were also reported for the first time from this region. These findings provide valuable insights for conservation and restoration programs of these endemic plants, highlighting the potential role of beneficial root-inhabiting fungi in protecting rare and endangered species.

Zubek, S., Nobis, M., Błaszkowski, J., Mleczko, P., & Nowak, A. (2011). Fungal root endophyte associations of plants endemic to the Pamir Alay Mountains of Central Asia. Symbiosis, 54(3), 139–149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13199-011-0137-z