Molecular detection and community analysis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of Phellodendron amurense

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were isolated from rhizospheric soil samples collected from Phellodendron amurense. Nested-PCR was conducted to amplify NS31/Glol domain sequences of the small-subunit (18S) rDNA from fungi in the collected samples. The amplified products were subsequently analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). DGGE results were analyzed in conjunction with sequencing and phylogenetic data to investigate the composition of different fungal strains present in the AM communities of P. amurense. Four AM fungal species were identified, including Glomus intraradices, G. mosseae, G. versiforme and Scutellospora calospora. Glomus versiforme, however, was not detected in the root samples by nested-PCR, suggesting the roots of P. amurense are not colonized by this species. The DGGE profiles of the rhizospheric soil and root samples differed, suggesting that the roots and soil support different fungal communities. Sequences could be clustered into three groups, viz. Glomus, Scutellospora and Hyponectria buxi. Glomus was determined to be the prevalent AM fungi in the root and rhizospheric soil.