Role of mycorrhizal links between plants in establishment of liverworts thalli in natural habitats

Abstract

Research on the development of arbuscular fungi within thalli of Conocephalum conicum and Pellia endiviifolia was carried out on the banks of a stream ravine in the Beskid Wyspowy Mts. (Southern Poland). The links via arbuscular fungi were observed between liverworts and plants as Dryopteris carthusiana and Oxalis acetosella. Glomus tenuis, a fine endophyte, was the dominating mycorrhizal partner of all the plant species investigated. Arum-type of mycorrhiza was observed in Oxalis acetosella while in the fern and liverworts Paris-type was found. The role of plant roots in the establishment of liverworts thalli (source of fungal inoculum, important mechanical support on unstable sand banks) is considered.