Characterization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in Songnen saline-alkaline soils and potential hydroponic utilization

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, ubiquitous in diverse habitats including salinized environments, play a pivotal role in ecological processes. Despite advances in understanding their physiological interactions with hosts and soil bioremediation potential, knowledge gaps remain regarding the utilization of stress-adapted indigenous AM fungi. This study investigated AM fungi involved in wild vegetation succession and their hydroponic applicability for plant research. Spores from rhizosphere soils of three vegetation stages in Songnen salinized land were morphologically identified, followed by potting and hydroponic experiments to explore mycorrhizal symbiosis under saline-alkali stress. Specifically, Leymus chinensis, the plant in phase III, was selected as the host, with its rhizosphere soil served as inoculum. Results revealed significant compositional variations across three stages (ANOSIM, p = 0.039). Five key species, including Rhizophagus clarus, were recognized as indicators of initial stages, and three Rhizophagus strains positively correlated with pH and carbonate concentration. In cultivation, AM fungi colonized roots (colonization rate 60%−86.67%) and alleviated salinized stress through morphological improvements, osmotic adjustments, enhanced enzymatic activity, and augmented photosynthesis, regulated by mycorrhizal metabolic pathways (e.g., PWY-7111 and LEU- DEG2-PWY). Mycorrhizal dependency varied by system, with the highest value observed in the box hydroponic setup (MD = 2.15), while tube-based cultivation showed intermediate values closer to potting group. However, sequencing indicated Glomus sensitivity in aquatic conditions, and the box system was more susceptible. These findings provide novel insights into vegetation succession from a mycorrhizal perspective and offer frameworks for AM fungal applications in diverse contexts, facilitating future biological utilization.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

salinized soil / mycorrhizal diversity / hydroponic cultivation / physiological growth / high-throughput sequencing

Highlight

	● Multiple species, including Rhizophagus clarus , potentially mediated the wild succession.
	● AM fungal community regulated the botanical physiology and biochemistry under salinization in both hydroponics and sand.
	● The mycorrhizal roles on plant linked to their intrinsic metabolic pathways.
	● Glomus respond sensitively to hydroponic environments.

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