Molecular genetic identification of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) is a widespread symbiosis formed by most land plants with fungi from Glomeromycotina subdivision. The main problem in study of AM fungi is the complication in identification, associated with high intra- and interspecific genetic polymorphism, as well as obligate status of AM fungi in relation to host plant. The methodology for AM fungi identification is constantly undergoing major changes. In the review the selection of optimal methods of molecular genetic identification for AM fungi is carried out. The sample preparation, selection of species-specific marker DNA fragments and primers design, amplification including nested PCR are considered. The prospects for cloning and next generation sequencing for AM fungi identification are analyzed and substantiated.