Quantification of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Colonization Rate in the Study of Invasive Alien Plants

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widely distributed soil fungi in ecosystems and can form symbiotic associations (mycorrhizae) with the roots of most terrestrial plants. Plants provide carbon sources to AMF through mycorrhizal associations, while AMF hyphae can expand the range of nutrient absorption by roots and promote plant nutrient uptake. There are many different species of AMF, and the symbiotic relationships between different species of AMF and different plants vary. Invasive plants can enrich AMF species with better symbiotic capabilities through root exudates, promoting their growth and thereby increasing their colonization in invasive plant roots. At the same time, invasive plants can also disrupt the symbiotic relationship between AMF and native plants, affecting the local plant community, which is one of the mechanisms for successful plant invasion. The colonization rate of AMF in the roots of invasive and native plants indirectly reflects the role of AMF in the process of invasive plant invasion. In this method, collected plant roots can be processed directly or saved in a fixative for later batch processing. Through decolorization, acidification, staining, and destaining treatment of roots, the hyphae, spores, and arbuscular structures of AMF in the root system can be clearly observed. This method can be completed in a basic laboratory to observe and calculate the colonization rate of AMF in the root systems of invasive plants.