Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi exist in the root of a variety of mangrove plants

but our current research has failed to explain the reason and situation of their existence. This study intended to explore the AM fungi status and their influencing factors in mangrove species in Dongzhaigang National Nature Reserve. 16 mangrove species were investigated for their AM colonization rate

rhizosphere soil AM fungi spore density and soil parameters. The results showed that 12 of the total 16 plant species existed AM colonization

among which Excoecaria agallocha

Clerodendrum inerme

Pongamia pinnata and Hibiscus tiliaceus showed higher colonization rate than others (above 55%). AM fungi spores were detected from all rhizosphere soil samples

and the average AM fungi spore density was 25.7±2.7 spores per 25 g air dried soil. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that AM colonization status was significantly different among different host plants. Tide level could also significantly influence AM colonization rate and spore density. Both AM colonization rate and spore density were significantly higher in high tide level than middle or low tide level

but no difference existed between middle and low tide level. Linear regression analysis showed that soil moisture content

electrical conductivity and available P content may be the main influencing soil factors of AM fungi in Dongzhaigang mangrove ecosystem.