Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of pioneer mangrove species in Mahakam Delta, East Kalimantan

Abstract

Abstract Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are symbiotic, with more than 80% of plant species in terrestrial and mangrove ecosystems. This study aimed to determine the level of AMF colonization on Avicennia lanata and its correlation with soil chemical properties. Sampling was conducted in Sepatin Village, located in Mahakam Delta. There are four sampling locations, three were mangrove rehabilitation areas (A, B, and C), and one was a mangrove natural forest (MNF). Root samples were taken from four A. lanata seedlings purposively selected at each location. The roots were stained with 0.05% trypan blue, and the mycorrhizal structures of the roots were observed using a compound microscope. The results showed that the percentage of AMF colonization with A. lanata in MNF was higher (97%) than in other locations. Internal hyphae were the dominant structure found in the root of A. lanata in all locations, with a percentage of 76.61%. AMF root colonization negatively correlated with N-total, C-organic, and available P. In contrast, Ca, Mg, K, Na, and CEC positively correlated with AMF root colonization. The colonization of AMF in the root of A. lanata may promote the early growth of seedlings, and the application of AMF can support rehabilitating mangrove degraded.