Influence of Parasitic and Mutualistic Fungi on Artemisia tridentata During High Precipitation Years

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Abstract
Snow mold and VA mycorrhizal fungal activity were monitored along a slope containing planted Artemisia tridentata in 1982 through 1985, high precipitation years, in a temperate semi-desert shrubland in southwestern Wyoming [USA]. Despite improved soil moisture down the slope in 1984, a moderately wet year with especially high snowfall, shrub production and survival declined down the slope. This decline occurred in association with reduced mycorrhizal reproduction and a high incidence of snow mold down the slope. In all other years, increased production and survival of shrubs corresponded with increased soil moisture. We suggest that abiotic variables alone are not adequate for predicting favorable growth conditions for plants in this habitat, and that the activity of fungal symbionts might be important.