Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 85 (2): 187-198, 2012
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Isolation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi consortia from medicinal plants and their
effectiveness on growth of vinca (Catharanthus roseus)
This study consisted on propagating and identifying arbuscular mycorrhizal
fungi (AMF) collected from medicinal plants (MP) of natural areas of mixed forest (Estado de Mexico), and selecting
mycorrhizal consortia based on the growth promotion of Catharanthus roseus (L) G. Don, medicinal plant whose
alkaloids have antineoplasic properties. In the first experimental stage, roots and rhizospheric soil were collected from the
13 MP in which the mycorrhizal colonization percentage (MCP) and the number of spores were assessed; in addition, soil
samples were used for establishing culture traps under greenhouse conditions for 10 months and thus, the main AMF
genera were identified. All MP showed AMF colonization, and four fungal genera were identified (Glomus,
Acaulospora, Gigaspora, and Scutellospora) from which Acaulospora and Glomus
were predominant. The second experimental stage allowed the selection of eight consortia based on the MCP of
trap cultures (> 40 %), that corresponded to samples collected from Adiantum capillus-veneris
L.,Castilleja tenuifl ora Benth., Erigeron karvinskianus DC., Pimpinella anisum
L., Plantago major L., Ricinus communis L., Rubus fruticosus L. and
Rumex mexicanus Meisn. These consortia were inoculated to C. roseus to evaluate their capability
for stimulating the plant growth under greenhouse conditions. After 70 days, in spite of presenting only one predominant
AMF genus (Glomus), the consortium isolated from R. mexicanus showed more consistent effects
on the growth of C. roseus (leaves number, leaf area and leaf dry weight) when compared to the remaining
mycorrhizal consortia.
Key words:
culture trap,
medicinal plant, mycorrhizal colonization, mycorrhizal symbiosis, selection of mycorrhizal fungi
