AB 14:1-7 (2011)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/ab00378

ABSTRACT: For the first time, hybrids of Spartina alterniflora × foliosa are reported to form mycorrhizal associations. This is important in light of the ­invasion dynamics within San Francisco Bay—where Spartina hybrids are invading tidal habitats and causing functional changes in the ecosystem. Mycorrhizal associations can positively influence biomass production in invasive Spar­tina and may contribute to increased invasion success. Of the Spartina hybrids ­investigated, 83% were mycorrhizal. During hybrid­ization, the ability to be mycorrhizal may be contributed by the native S. foliosa, also found to be ­mycorrhizal, whereas the introduced S. alterniflora is non-mycorrhizal in its native habitat. Seedlings of Spartina hybrids inoculated with a commercial mycorrhizal mix showed greater above-ground growth and total biomass compared to control plants in the greenhouse. Mycorrhizal associations have the po-tential to influence the invasion trajectory of hybrid Spartina in San Francisco Bay, but additional research is needed.

KEY WORDS: Mycorrhizae · Spartina spp. · Hybrid · Salt marsh · Mycorrhizal inoculation · Invasion

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Cite this article as: Eberl R (2011) Mycorrhizal association with native and invasive cordgrass Spartina spp. in San Francisco Bay, ­California. Aquat Biol 14:1-7. https://doi.org/10.3354/ab00378 Export citation Share:    Facebook - - linkedIn