The role of mycorrhizal fungi in growth enhancement of dune plants following burial in sand

Abstract

1. Burial in sand of Agropyron psammophilum and Punicum virgatum plants had a stimulating effect on carbon dioxide exchange rate, leaf area and biomass, irrespective of whether sand used for burial did or did not contain mycorrhizal fungi. 2. Plants of both A. psammophilum and P. virgatum species grown in mycorrhiza-containing sand and then buried with mycorrhiza-containing sand had the highest CO2 exchange rate, leaf area and biomass. 3. The growth stimulation following a burial episode is probably a composite response of several factors. The major contribution of mycorrhizal fungi will possibly be the exploitation of resources in the burial deposit.