Comparative study of mycorrhizal susceptibility and anatomy of four palm species.

A morphological and anatomical study of the root systems of the palm species Brahea armata S. Watson, Chamaerops humilis L., Phoenix canariensis Chabaud and Phoenix dactylifera L.

Ultrastructural localization of acid phosphatase in arbusculate coils of mycorrhizal Phoenix canariensis roots.

Acid phosphatase (ACP) activity has been detected in roots of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Phoenix canariensis. This enzyme was ultrastructurally localized in arbusculate coils for the first time. This localization was carried out using a cerium-based method, which minimizes non-specific precipitation.

Autofluorescence detection of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal structures in palm roots: an underestimated experimental method.

The aim of this study was to reassess the use of autofluorescence for evaluating AM colonization in mycorrhizal roots in the light of criticisms of this method that affirmed that only metabolically inactive arbuscules autofluoresce. It was also investigated whether other mycorrhizal structures, such as hyphae, vesicles and spores, could be detected by autofluorescence, and whether the autofluorescence pattern of AM fungal structures could be exploited methodologically, for example, in the detection and sorting of spores by flow cytometry. Mycorrhizal roots of the palm species Brahea armata, Chamaerops humilis, Phoenix canariensis and Phoenix dactylifera were sectioned and observed by means of fluorescence microscopy.