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Wonderful wetlands

Wetlands are important for our environment, economy and our livelihoods. They have many functions from reducing floods to producing clean water and food for humans, industry and agriculture. They provide important habitat for many animals and plants. Wetlands are the great ‘connectors’ across our landscape providing places for our enjoyment and relaxation. Regardless of whether you are doing a school or uni assignment, managing a wetland or undertaking research, you will find a wealth of information here on WetlandInfo. Read more…

WetlandInfo feature species

The feature species for October is Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, (AMF), are a group of symbiotic microorganisms colonising vascular plant roots. Glomus is the largest genus of AMF, with 85 species described. AMF roots, and the associated networks of hyphae are a major component of most soils, but are usually not seen with the naked eye.

AMF are thought to play key roles in detritus food webs (consumption of decaying organic matter) and nutrient cycling in mangrove ecosystems. The mycelium system of AMF can spread along plant roots and provide numerous areas for plant growth, and promotes rhizobacteria (root associated bacteria) to undertake phosphorus absorption. AMF colonisation among different mangrove species plays essential ecological functions in the nitrogen cycle, which is critical for various wetland plant growth and can aid in the maintenance of diverse plant communities.

While there is still limited knowledge on these species, increasing evidence suggests that AMF could modify the nitrogen transformation and storage by coupling the diazotrophic community (nitrogen fixers) in the mangrove rhizosphere and hyphosphere (active zone of soil surrounding the mycelium) of the AMF[1].

Additional information

• Australian National Herbarium, Australian Fungi
• Atlas of Living Australia - Glomus
• Ecology page - Fungi