High diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in two forestry ecosystems from central and northern Costa Rica

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) generate a symbiotic relationship with most terrestrial plants, influencing the dynamics and functioning of ecosystems. There are few studies on the diversity of these fungi associated with forest species and in different types of ecosystems. The objective of this study was to characterize the diversity and structure of AMF communities associated with Cordia alliodora and Swietenia macrophylla in two forestry ecosystems with different types of management in Costa Rica. For this purpose, rhizosphere and soil samples were collected from 10 trees at random, spores and sporocarps were isolated and characterized, AMF abundance, richness and diversity were determined, and a physicochemical analysis of the soil was carried out.