Response of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to simulated climate changes by reciprocal translocation in Tibetan Plateau

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi are considered as an important factor in predicting plants and ecosystem responses to climate changes on a global scale. The Tibetan Plateau is the highest region on Earth with abundant natural resources and one of the most sensitive region to climate changes. To evaluate the complex response of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization and spore density to climate changes, a reciprocal translocation experiment was employed in Tibetan Plateau. The reciprocal translocation of quadrats to AM colonization and spore density were dynamic. Mycorrhizal colonization frequency presented contrary changed trend with elevations of quadrat translocation. Colonization frequency reduced or increased in majority quadrats translocated from low to high or from high to low elevation. Responses of colonization intensity to translocation of quadrats were more sensitive than colonization frequency. Arbuscular colonization showed inconsistent trend in increased or decreased quadrat. Vesicle colonization decreased with changed of quadrat from low to high elevations. However, no significant trend was observed. Although spore density was dynamic with signs of decreasing or increasing in translocated quadrats, the majority enhanced and declined respectively in descent and ascent quadrat treatments. It is crucial to understand the interactions between AM fungi and prairie grasses to accurately predict effects of climate change on these diverse and sensitive ecosystems. This study provided an opportunity for understanding the effect of climate changes on AM fungi.