Effect of several factors on germination of AM fungal spores

Several factors that influence germination of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) spores were investigated in this study. The results showed that soil based medium was most favorable for germination of AMF spores; secretion of plant roots enhanced the germination of spores obviously. However, heavy metal Cd~(2+) and Pb~(2+) could restrain the germination of AMF spores when their concentration reached 50mg/kg in water agar medium. Generally low concentration phosphorus (KH2PO4 was 0-80mg/L)almost had no influence on the germination of AMF spores tested. But high concentration phosphorus (KH2PO4 was 100-200mg/L) would restrain the germination of spores. pH restrained spore germination when it was over pH 8.0 or below pH 5.5 in the medium. Hormone had no obvious influence on spore germination. Dormancy of dormant spores could be ceased, and the germinant rate of dormant spores could be enhanced obviously by putting them in 4℃ low temperature for 4-6 weeks.