Endorhizal Fungal Association and Colonization Patterns in Solanaceae

The Solanaceae family includes plants of high economic and medicinal value. Information on endorhizal associations in Solanaceae is limited. We investigated arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and dark septate endophyte (DSE) fungal associations in 20 solanaceous plant species (7 genera) taken from one or more sites, measuring the percentage of root length colonized in plants having different AM and DSE fungal structures. Root samples of all the plant species examined had AM fungal structures, and DSE fungal colonization was found in 80% of the plant species. Total AM and DSE fungal colonization and root length of plants with different fungal structures varied significantly between species. Significant between-site variation was found for root length in plants with fungal structures in Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., Capsicum annuum L., Datura metel L., Solanum melongena L., S. nigrum L., S. trilobatum L. and S. torvum SW. AM morphology was predominantly intermediate-type (60%), followed by Paris-type (30%). Solanum melongena and S. nigrum at different sites had Paris-type or intermediate AM morphology. DSE fungal colonization also exhibited significant between-site variation in Capsicum frutescens, C. annum, Datura metel, Solanum melongena, S. trilobatum and S. nigrum. We found a significant negative correlation between AM and DSE fungal colonization.