Abstract
Species diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) was assessed along a dune stabilization gradient (embryonic dune, foredune and fixed dune) at Praia da Joaquina, Ilha de Santa Catarina. The dunes were chosen as a case study to assess whether diversity and mycorrhizal inoculum potential (MIP) increase along the gradient. Ten soil samples were collected from each stage and pooled, and then six 100-g soil sub-samples were taken to identify and enumerate spores. Twelve AMF species were detected, and all three families in Glomales were represented. Gigasporaceae species dominated the embryonic dune, while Glomaceae species dominated the fixed dune. Total spore numbers and richness increased as the dunes became more stabilized. However, indices of Margalef, Simpson and Shannon reached maximal values at different stages, suggesting that species abundance was different among stages. In both embryonic and fixed dunes, species abundance data fit the broken stick model, while in the foredune the log series model best described the data. The MIP followed spore numbers and increased along the gradient, suggesting that spores are important in initiating root colonization in this system. Relationships between edaphic factors and functional roles of Glomales families as determinants of AMF distribution are discussed.
