The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus hoi can capture and transfer nitrogen from organic patches to its associated host plant at low temperature

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have been suggested to be of potential benefit in achieving sustainable agriculture systems. However, there is conflicting information on the degree to which arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can grow and function at soil temperatures typical of temperate regions. To resolve this conflict we grew Plantago lanceolata L. inoculated with Glomus hoi (UY 110) in microcosm units maintained at 12/10 °C (day/night). The microcosms had two compartments, one planted and one not. The root-free compartment contained either an organic (15N:13C labelled milled shoot material) or a sand patch. When permitted access, G. hoi proliferated hyphae extensively in the organic patch material. Plant 15N content was a simple function of length density of extra-radical mycelium (ERM) in the patch and c. 6% of host plant N was derived from the patch. These results indicate that G. hoi not only grew at these realistic soil temperatures, but also conferred a nutritional benefit to its host.

Research highlights
► AMF proliferated in organic patches at temperatures typical of a temperate soil.
► This hyphal proliferation was directly related to patch N recovered in the host.
► The amount of N transferred represented c. 6% of the total plant N.
► This may represent a significant N pathway in sustainable agricultural systems.