Functional traits in mycorrhizal ecology: their use for predicting the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities on plant growth and ecosystem functioning.

摘要

This paper discusses the problems that can be encountered in linking identification and functional significance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as well as the possible approaches to deal with these problems. A list of 13 different functional traits (morphological and physiological) that could be used to determine the existing functional diversity present within AMF communities. This mycorrhizal functional trait diversity could subsequently be used to predict the impact of specific AMF communities on plant growth and ecosystem functioning. This, together with microcosm studies and novel technologies will be useful for better understanding of the functional significance of AMF for plants and ecosystems..