Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is a major limiting nutrient for plants in boreal forest ecosystems where a substantial part of the total P is sequestered in organic compounds. Some ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are known to produce phosphomonoesterases, enzymes that degrade organic P sources. Here, we test 16 ECM species for this enzymatic activity by growing them on media containing orthophosphate, phytic acid or apatite. A method with an overlay gel that determined both phosphomonoesterase activity and its spatial distribution was developed. The phosphomonoesterase activity was not significantly higher when growing on organic P; conversely some isolates only produced measurable enzyme activity when grown on apatite. Species-specific variations with respect to phosphomonoesterase activity as well as growth responses to different substrates were found. The production of phosphomonoesterases was found to be widespread in ECM fungi and the enzyme activity did not need induction by organic P. The enzyme activity was highest in the central parts of the mycelia, potentially reflecting breakdown and recycling of phospholipids from old hyphae or potentially higher mycelial density.

Keywords

Ectomycorrhizal fungi; Acid phosphatase; Phosphomonoesterase; Organic phosphorus use

Published in

Mycorrhiza
2009, Volume: 19, number: 3, pages: 197-204

SLU Authors

• Lithell, Cajsa

  • Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Rosling, Anna

  • Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns


UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00572-008-0223-0

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/28958