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Acta Prataculturae Sinica ›› 2015, Vol. 24 ›› Issue (6): 188-203.DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2014316

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Relationship between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and individual plant and their effects on plant productivity and species diversity of plant community

YANG Gao-Wen1, 2, LIU Nan1, YANG Xin1, ZHANG Ying-Jun1, *   

  1. 1.Department of Grassland Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
    2.College of Agro-grassland Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
  • Received:2014-07-21 Online:2015-06-20 Published:2015-06-20

Abstract: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are important components of terrestrial ecosystems, able to form mycorrhizal symbioses with about 80% of all terrestrial plant species. AMF play an important role in determining plant diversity and productivity through their influence on plant nutrient uptake and the ability to mediate plant-plant interactions. We reviewed the literature on AMF to identify the research gaps concerning the relationships between AMF and individual plants, interplant plant interactions and plant diversity and productivity focusing on three aspects. Firstly, we analyzed AMF-plant interactions and the factors influencing these interactions and developed a conceptual model illustrating the effect of soil available phosphorus levels on the mycorrhizal contribution to plant growth. Secondly, we summarized the effects of AMF on plant-plant interactions and seedling recruitment. Thirdly, we analyzed the effects of AMF on plant diversity and productivity, and developed two conceptual models to predict the effects of soil nutrient levels on the mycorrhizal contribution to plant diversity and productivity. Our results could be applied to forage production and grassland management to provide scientific support for the introduction of AMF when establishing pasture and for conservation biodiversity in native grassland. Suggested research priorities are outlined.