Spore dispersal of Endogonaceae by worms, ants, wasps, and birds

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Abstract
Soil in earthworm casts (Lumbricus terrestris L.), ant castings (Formicidae), robin nests (Turdus migratorius L.), barn swallow nests (Hirundo erythrogaster Bodd.), and mud dauber wasp nests (Trypoxyloninae, Sphecinae) was examined for spores of Endogonaceae. Air-dried samples of worm casts, robin nests, or swallow nests added to steamed soil resulted in development of vesicular-arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizae in the roots of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. ''Amsoy 71''). The results obtained indicate that organisms which transport soil may also disperse spores of Endogonaceae. In view of the large quantities of soil turned over by earthworms annually, these organisms may play a direct role in the vertical distribution of Endogonaceae in soil profiles. In addition through transport of castings by water runoff earthworms may play an indirect role in lateral distribution.

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