Mycorrhizal associations in Polylepis woodlands of Central Argentina

Polylepis woodlands are one of the most threatened mountain ecosystems of South America, and their restoration is a high priority. To assess the mycorrhizal status in Polylepis woodlands of Quebrada del Condorito National Park (Cordoba Mountains, Central Argentina), we examined the roots of 22 plant species, belonging to 14 families and determined morphological types of arbuscular mycorrhiza (Arum and Paris type) and colonization level. The 22 species were colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophytes. Different arbuscular mycorrhizal structures and colonization patterns were observed, although Paris-type colonization was predominant. Fourteen plant species are reported for the first time as hosts of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. We conclude that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophyte hosts are widespread in the Polylepis woodlands of Central Argentina and should receive special attention in future revegetation programs.