Approaches to Mycorrhizal Studies

Abstract

For a researcher convinced to undertake any of the challenging discourses in mycorrhizal research in the context of global change, it is imperative to have a basic and mechanistic understanding of different approaches and methods to be followed. A number of procedures can be followed for mycorrhizal studies, depending upon the objective of the researcher. This chapter deals with an array of approaches that can be used for detection of mycorrhizas in living roots through various staining techniques and extraction, identification and characterisation of spores from rhizospheric soils (Fig. 9.1). In fact, an overview of both the classical methods and modern approaches to analyse mycorrhizas in plants under natural environments is provided. The objective is to provide the readers some basic methodological insights to deal with new challenging discourses on mycorrhizas in the light of various global change elements. The limitations of morphological approaches and specific advantages of molecular methods to overcome such limitations in identification and characterisation of AM fungi are briefly outlined. Since our understanding of the plant–AM interactions and factors that drive these associations is still hampered by many methodological limitations and inability to culture these obligate host-associated mutualists, the implications of overcoming such limitations are briefly discussed. It is important to note that though there are a number of books, practical guides and manuals available on methodology of mycorrhizal studies, the aim of giving an overview here is to facilitate readers with handy available basic information without troubling them initially to look for the alternative sources.