Observations on the mycorrhizal status of Polygonum viviparum in the Polish Tatra Mts. (Western Carpathians)

Abstract

Polygonum viviparum is one of very few herbaceous plants known to form ectomycorrhiza; in the Tatra Mts. it is one of dominants in the alpine zone, but also descends down to the feet of the massif. Specimens of this plant were collected from 5 sites at the altitude range 900– 2150 m, from granite and limestone. It allowed an estimation of the ectomycorrhizal diversity as well as preliminary ecological observations. Roots were also stained in order to check potential presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization. Ectomycorrhizae were present in all specimens (with 2–5 morphotypes observed on single plants). In total, 17 morphotypes were observed and briefly described. The most widespread were the mycorrhiza of Cenococcum geophilum and a brightly coloured morphotype resembling the ectomycorrhizae of Russula sp. No important differences in ectomycorrhizal colonization between low and high localities were found. Observed general differences in abundance and diversity of mycorrhiza in P. viviparum between sites could most probably be connected with plant community composition (presence/absence of ectomycorrhizal shrubs maintaining ectomycorrhizal fungi), although mycorrhizae were present also in sites devoid of other ectomycorrhizal plants. Structures associated to arbuscular colonization (vesicles, hyphal coils) were occassionally observed, but without formation of arbuscules.