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    An experimental test of small mammal dispersal of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores

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    http://hdl.handle.net/11603/1997
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    • Towson University Graduate Theses and Dissertations
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    Author/Creator
    Zaharick, John G., Jr.
    Date
    2013-08-06
    2013-05
    Type of Work
    application/pdf
    vii, 45 pages
    Text
    theses
    Department
    Towson University. Department of Biological Sciences
    Rights
    Copyright protected, all rights reserved.
    There are no restrictions on access to this document. An internet release form signed by the author to display this document online is on file with Towson University Special Collections and Archives.
    Abstract
    Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) affect the structure of plant communities by influencing plant survivorship, growth, and diversity. Many AMF species produce spores below ground that have no obvious means of dispersal. Small mammals feed on AMF spores and those spores can still inoculate plants after passing through digestive systems. For this reason, small mammals are hypothesized to disperse AMF spores; however, few data exist to support this idea. I tested the ability of small mammals to disperse AMF spores by examining their impact on mycorrhizal inoculum potential in a northeast mesophytic forest. A field survey determined that small mammals sporadically consumed AMF spores. In a field experiment, more plots that were accessible to small mammals contained AMF than control plots, which excluded small mammals. This study provides experimental evidence that small mammals disperse AMF spores in a patchy manner, and wind dispersal also plays a role in AMF dispersal.


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    Website:
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    Contact Info:
    azukowski@towson.edu
    410-704-5318
    http://libraries.towson.edu/md-soar


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    Towson University
    8000 York Road
    Towson, Maryland 21252

    Website:
    www.towson.edu

    Contact Info:
    azukowski@towson.edu
    410-704-5318
    http://libraries.towson.edu/md-soar


    If you wish to submit a copyright complaint or withdrawal request, please email mdsoar-help@umd.edu.