Quantifying Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Using a Morphometric Technique

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Abstract
In an attempt to quantify the amount of VA [vesicular-arbuscular] mycorrhizal colonization, many researchers obtained data from views of whole roots. This approach yields qualitative but not quantitative data. Quantitative methods were developed which employ biochemical assays for chitin and the use of thin sections. These techniques are often laborious. A technique employing the basic principle of morphometric cytology on squashed roots is offered as a compromise. By employing a symmetrical grid of dots over the image of a root squash, counts of invaded cortical cells can be made. This technique is faster to apply than sectioning and yields quantitative information concerning the percentage of the cortical cells containing arbuscules.