Caracterización de hongos micorrízicos arbusculares asociados a Espeletia standleyana A.C.Sm en el Páramo de García, Norte de Santander, Colombia. Ángela Margoth Suárez Mojica Universidad de Pamplona Facultad de Ciencias Básicas Departamento de Biología Pamplona, Colombia.

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associated with Espeletia standleyana at different growth stages in Páramo de García, Pamplona, Norte de Santander. To carry out this research, a plot divided into two contiguous plots of 5 m x 5 m was established, where individuals of Espeletia standleyana were selected at different growth stages (seedlings, juveniles and adults). Subsequently, root and soil samples were collected from each plant, which were analyzed to quantify the percentage of mycorrhizal colonization and spore abundance, using standardized techniques such as trypan blue root staining and gradient spore extraction. In addition, physicochemical analyses of the soil were performed, which revealed a low pH (3.7) and reduced phosphorus levels (1.0 mg/kg). The results indicated significant differences in the percentage of colonization and the number of spores between growth stages. Seedlings showed the highest levels of total mycorrhizal colonization (69%) and spore abundance (180 spores/20 g soil), while adults showed the lowest values, with 48% colonization and 70 spores/20 g soil. In total, 36 AMF morphospecies were identified associated with E. standleyana, belonging to eight families and ten genera, with Paraglomus sp1 being the dominant fungus at all growth stages. AMF diversity indices, assessed by Hill numbers, showed a more balanced diversity at the adult stage, suggesting that AMF diversity tends to stabilize at more advanced stages of plant development.