Abstract

Rupestrian grasslands are a biodiversity hotspot for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and endophytic fungi. These groups have major influence on the structure and dynamics of the plant community in this ecosystem. AMF are generalists, associating with a wide variety of host plants , while endophytic fungi tend to establish more specific relations with host plants. AMF distribution is mainly influenced by soil attributes, while the distribution of endophytic fungi is mostly driven by the host plant. Both fungal groups influence the host plant metabolism and ecology , enhancing the host plant survival in this harsh ecosystem. There are no studies relating both fungal groups in rupestrian grasslands. A strong relation may exist between them, and exploring this gap will contribute to the understanding of this unique ecosystem and the relations in it.