Is it possible to separate (distinguish) different AMF morphotypes which may possibly represent different taxa just by looking spores under a stereo microscope of say, 60x?
Yes very much possible with great success using spore morphology as basis of AMF species...
Yes.
It depends on ones expertise. Once, the morphotypes are well studied, one can very easily get an idea about the nature of AMF even under stereobionocular microscope.
Best of luck.
@ Fisseha, AMF has traditionally been identified by the morphology of their spores. But sometimes, especially some environmental conditions, they dont produce spores or sometimes spores are mostly degraded. Thats why molecular identification (ribosomal DNA) technique have been potential because they offer the opportunity to identify the AMF in any given root sample without the need for spores. DNA has the advantage that there are no problems with the gene expression because genotypes are analysed directly.
Morphotypes can be identified under the microscope provided the spores are produced under the known environmental conditions. If the environmental conditions change and becomes vegetative it is difficult.
thank you all. in the stereo microscope we ll only be able to see color and/or if any, decoration. we can also separate different size classes. my worry is, can't these characters overlap between different genera or species?
Well, It all depends upon expertise.
During my study I have gone through the seven AM fungi morphotypes ( Deleted research item The research item mentioned here has been deleted
). Now, I can identify them under stereobinocular microscope only. But, for other eighth genus, characters will be overlapping for me.Thanks.
It's possible to distinguish easily AMF genera but for species it's more harder.
see http://invam.wvu.edu/, http://www.zor.zut.edu.pl/ collection
If it's possible complete the morphological identification with molecular identification to be sure.
It is possible to identify to the genera and to an extent some species, however the best is to use molecular identification.
It is difficult to identify AMF species based on only morphological characters. For accurate identification of species, both morphological and molecular characters like ITS or 18s RNA sequencing have to be considered.
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