Does elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide affect arbuscular mycorrhizas?
It is well established that an increase in the concentration of atmospheric CO(2) stimulates plant growth. Recently, many researchers have concluded that elevated CO(2) concentrations also stimulate mycorrhizal colonization. However, new evidence suggests that the observed CO(2) effects on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are indirect and are a result of faster plant growth at higher CO(2) concentrations. Potential changes to species assemblages of mycorrhizal fungi could affect soil carbon storage and, consequently, the feedback effects of terrestrial soil-vegetation systems on global environmental change.
Dept of Biology, University of York, PO Box 373, York, UK YO10 5YW.
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Fitter