Presence and Abundance of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Florida Mangroves

This project investigates the presence and role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the migration of black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) in Florida. The black mangroves in this experiment inhabit Northeastern Florida in a marsh-mangrove ecotone. Using plots from the Chapman Lab’s WETFEET project, soil core samples from interiorand creekside zones will be analyzed for AMF colonization. The study aims to correlate AMF presence with mangrove growth metrics, hypothesizing that AMF abundance is greater in less waterlogged soils, which may aid mangroves in migration and resilience.