Biocrusts inside and outside of Mimosa luisana resource islands as reservoirs of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a Mexican semiarid ecosystem

Biocrusts (BC) inside and outside Mimosa luisana resource islands (M. luisana-RI) act as reservoirs for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), harboring 12 species compared to just five in open areas, while also protecting AMF from environmental stressors. Seasonal variations suggest water availability drives AMF assemblages. The study found that BC, particularly outside M. luisana-RI, buffer soil AMF loss, forming potential mycorrhizal inocula. Researchers analyzed spore abundance, species richness, and propagation potential in both rainy and dry seasons using laboratory and greenhouse experiments.

Camargo-Ricalde, S. L., Montaño, N. M., Montaño-Arias, S. A., De la Rosa-Mera, C. J., & Chimal-Sánchez, E. (2021). Biocrusts inside and outside of Mimosa luisana resource islands as reservoirs of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a Mexican semiarid ecosystem. Scientia Fungorum, 51, e1370. https://doi.org/10.33885/sf.2021.51.1370