The role of in vitro cultivation on symbiotic trait and function variation in a single species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus

© 2019 British Mycological SocietyIn vitro propagation of AM fungi using transformed root cultures (TRC) is commonly used to obtain pure AM fungal propagules for use in research and industry. Early observations indicate that such an artificial environment can alter traits and function of AM fungi over time. We hypothesized that increased in vitro cultivation may promote ruderal strategies in fungi by enhancing propagule production and reducing mutualistic quality. To examine the effect of in vitro cultivation on the trait and function of AM fungi, we inoculated plants with 11 Rhizoglomus irregulare isolates which fell along a cultivation gradient spanning 80 generations. We harvested plants at 10, 20 and 30 d post inoculation to observe differences in fungal and plant traits post infection. In vitro cultivation led to increased spore production but reduced plant shoot phosphorus. Our results indicate that in vitro propagation may indirectly select for traits that affect symbiotic quality.