Project Detail

The importance of AM symbiosis for plant growth in serpentine soils: Knautia arvensis (Dipsacaceae) as a model plant

Name:	The importance of AM symbiosis for plant growth in serpentine soils: Knautia arvensis (Dipsacaceae) as a model plant
Researchers:	Sudová Radka (researcher)
Provider:	GA AV ČR
Number:	KJB600050812
Realization from:	2008
Realization to:	2010
Summary:	The project deals with the question whether arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis belongs among adaptation mechanisms important for the survival of plants on serpentine soils. Knautia arvensis was selected as a model plant because it inhabits serpentine as well as non-serpentine soils, both as diploid and tetraploids. This experimental systems thus allows testing the effects of AM colonisation and genome duplication (incl. their interaction) on plant growth under adverse conditions of serpentine soils. A set of methodical approaches is combined, including field data collection, experimental cultivation, and laboratory methods. Plant populations of different origin (serpentine vs. non-serpentine, diploid vs. tetraploid) will be compared in terms of the effects of native AM fungi on plant growth and heavy metal uptake in serpentine soil. The gathered data will provide novel insights into the role of biotic factors in plant performance under stressful soil conditions.