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Wood KEA, Kobe RK, Ibáñez I, McCarthy-Neumann S. Tree seedling functional traits mediate plant-soil feedback survival responses across a gradient of light availability. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293906. [PMID: 38011125 PMCID: PMC10681222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
1. Though not often examined together, both plant-soil feedbacks (PSFs) and functional traits have important influences on plant community dynamics and could interact. For example, seedling functional traits could impact seedling survivorship responses to soils cultured by conspecific versus heterospecific adults. Furthermore, levels of functional traits could vary with soil culturing source. In addition, these relationships might shift with light availability, which can affect trait values, microbe abundance, and whether mycorrhizal colonization is mutualistic or parasitic to seedlings. 2. To determine the extent to which functional traits mediate PSFs via seedling survival, we conducted a field experiment. We planted seedlings of four temperate tree species across a gradient of light availability and into soil cores collected beneath conspecific (sterilized and live) and heterospecific adults. We monitored seedling survival twice per week over one growing season, and we randomly selected subsets of seedlings to measure mycorrhizal colonization and phenolics, lignin, and NSC levels at three weeks. 3. Though evidence for PSFs was limited, Acer saccharum seedlings exhibited positive PSFs (i.e., higher survival in conspecific than heterospecific soils). In addition, soil microbes had a negative effect on A. saccharum and Prunus serotina seedling survival, with reduced survival in live versus sterilized conspecific soil. In general, we found higher trait values (measured amounts of a given trait) in conspecific than heterospecific soils and higher light availability. Additionally, A. saccharum survival increased with higher levels of phenolics, which were higher in conspecific soils and high light. Quercus alba survival decreased with higher AMF colonization. 4. We demonstrate that functional trait values in seedlings as young as three weeks vary in response to soil source and light availability. Moreover, seedling survivorship was associated with trait values for two species, despite both drought and heavy rainfall during the growing season that may have obscured survivorship-trait relationships. These results suggest that seedling traits could have an important role in mediating the effects of local soil source and light levels on seedling survivorship and thus plant traits could have an important role in PSFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E. A. Wood
- Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Richard K. Kobe
- Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Inés Ibáñez
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sarah McCarthy-Neumann
- Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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Klein T, Rog I, Livne-Luzon S, van der Heijden MG, Körner C. Belowground carbon transfer across mycorrhizal networks among trees: Facts, not fantasy. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2023; 3:168. [PMID: 38152158 PMCID: PMC10751480 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.16594.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The mycorrhizal symbiosis between fungi and plants is among the oldest, ubiquitous and most important interactions in terrestrial life on Earth. Carbon (C) transfer across a common mycorrhizal network (CMN) was demonstrated over half a century ago in the lab ( Reid & Woods, 1969), and later in the field ( Simard et al., 1997a). Recent years have seen ample progress in this research direction, including evidence for ecological significance of carbon transfer ( Klein et al., 2016). Furthermore, specific cases where the architecture of mycorrhizal networks have been mapped ( Beiler et al., 2015) and CMN-C transfer from mature trees to seedlings has been demonstrated ( Orrego, 2018) have suggested that trees in forests are more connected than once thought ( Simard, 2021). In a recent Perspective, Karst et al. (2023) offered a valuable critical review warning of over-interpretation and positive citation bias in CMN research. It concluded that while there is evidence for C movement among plants, the importance of CMNs remains unclear, as noted by others too ( Henriksson et al., 2023). Here we argue that while some of these claims are justified, factual evidence about belowground C transfer across CMNs is solid and accumulating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamir Klein
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Center District, Israel
| | - Ido Rog
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Center District, Israel
- agroscope, Zuerich, Switzerland
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3
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Allsup CM, George I, Lankau RA. Shifting microbial communities can enhance tree tolerance to changing climates. Science 2023; 380:835-840. [PMID: 37228219 DOI: 10.1126/science.adf2027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is pushing species outside of their evolved tolerances. Plant populations must acclimate, adapt, or migrate to avoid extinction. However, because plants associate with diverse microbial communities that shape their phenotypes, shifts in microbial associations may provide an alternative source of climate tolerance. Here, we show that tree seedlings inoculated with microbial communities sourced from drier, warmer, or colder sites displayed higher survival when faced with drought, heat, or cold stress, respectively. Microbially mediated drought tolerance was associated with increased diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, whereas cold tolerance was associated with lower fungal richness, likely reflecting a reduced burden of nonadapted fungal taxa. Understanding microbially mediated climate tolerance may enhance our ability to predict and manage the adaptability of forest ecosystems to changing climates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra M Allsup
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Isabelle George
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Richard A Lankau
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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4
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Henriksson N, Marshall J, Högberg MN, Högberg P, Polle A, Franklin O, Näsholm T. Re-examining the evidence for the mother tree hypothesis - resource sharing among trees via ectomycorrhizal networks. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023. [PMID: 37149889 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Seminal scientific papers positing that mycorrhizal fungal networks can distribute carbon (C) among plants have stimulated a popular narrative that overstory trees, or 'mother trees', support the growth of seedlings in this way. This narrative has far-reaching implications for our understanding of forest ecology and has been controversial in the scientific community. We review the current understanding of ectomycorrhizal C metabolism and observations on forest regeneration that make the mother tree narrative debatable. We then re-examine data and conclusions from publications that underlie the mother tree hypothesis. Isotopic labeling methods are uniquely suited for studying element fluxes through ecosystems, but the complexity of mycorrhizal symbiosis, low detection limits, and small carbon discrimination in biological processes can cause researchers to make important inferences based on miniscule shifts in isotopic abundance, which can be misleading. We conclude that evidence of a significant net C transfer via common mycorrhizal networks that benefits the recipients is still lacking. Furthermore, a role for fungi as a C pipeline between trees is difficult to reconcile with any adaptive advantages for the fungi. Finally, the hypothesis is neither supported by boreal forest regeneration patterns nor consistent with the understanding of physiological mechanisms controlling mycorrhizal symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Henriksson
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - John Marshall
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mona N Högberg
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Peter Högberg
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Andrea Polle
- Forest Botany and Tree Physiology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Oskar Franklin
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umeå, Sweden
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Schlossplatz 1, Laxenburg, A-2361, Austria
| | - Torgny Näsholm
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umeå, Sweden
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Karst J, Jones MD, Hoeksema JD. Positive citation bias and overinterpreted results lead to misinformation on common mycorrhizal networks in forests. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:501-511. [PMID: 36782032 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-01986-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
A common mycorrhizal network (CMN) is formed when mycorrhizal fungal hyphae connect the roots of multiple plants of the same or different species belowground. Recently, CMNs have captured the interest of broad audiences, especially with respect to forest function and management. We are concerned, however, that recent claims in the popular media about CMNs in forests are disconnected from evidence, and that bias towards citing positive effects of CMNs has developed in the scientific literature. We first evaluated the evidence supporting three common claims. The claims that CMNs are widespread in forests and that resources are transferred through CMNs to increase seedling performance are insufficiently supported because results from field studies vary too widely, have alternative explanations or are too limited to support generalizations. The claim that mature trees preferentially send resources and defence signals to offspring through CMNs has no peer-reviewed, published evidence. We next examined how the results from CMN research are cited and found that unsupported claims have doubled in the past 25 years; a bias towards citing positive effects may obscure our understanding of the structure and function of CMNs in forests. We conclude that knowledge on CMNs is presently too sparse and unsettled to inform forest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Karst
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Melanie D Jones
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jason D Hoeksema
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA
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6
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Karlsen-Ayala E, Smith ME, Askey BC, Gazis R. Native ectomycorrhizal fungi from the endangered pine rocklands are superior symbionts to commercial inoculum for slash pine seedlings. MYCORRHIZA 2022; 32:465-480. [PMID: 36210381 DOI: 10.1007/s00572-022-01092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The south Florida pine rocklands is a critically endangered, fire-dependent ecosystem dominated by the overstory tree Pinus densa (South Florida slash pine). Because pine recruitment in this ecosystem has proven problematic, restoration efforts need to include replanting slash pine trees. Even though ectomycorrhizal fungi are known to be critical symbionts of young pines and are necessary for the development of healthy pines, virtually nothing is known about these mutualists and their role in pine establishment and survival in the pine rocklands. One approach to improve pine establishment is to grow seedlings in a nursery before outplanting, facilitating early associations with ectomycorrhizae, and therefore improving seedling health. In this study, we compared health metrics (height, stem diameter, final needle length, root length, root colonization, needle greenness, root volume, and root:shoot ratio) of seedlings grown in soil amended with five commercially available mycorrhizal inocula versus field soil collected from three pine rockland fragments. Seedlings grown with native field soil from the pine rocklands generally performed better than those grown with commercial inoculum in all metrics except root length. According to their labels, each commercial inoculum contained between 4 and 10 ectomycorrhizal fungi species. However, no ectomycorrhizal fungi were recovered from two of the inoculum products and only three ectomycorrhizal fungi in total were recovered from the other three products. In contrast, seedlings grown with field soil are associated with ten ectomycorrhizal species. Our results highlight the importance of incorporating native ectomycorrhizal fungi into pine seedling replanting as part of restoration efforts in the pine rocklands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Karlsen-Ayala
- Department of Plant Pathology, Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Homestead, FL, 33031, USA.
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA.
- Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Southwest Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Immokalee, FL, 34142, USA.
| | - Matthew E Smith
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA
| | - Bryce C Askey
- Plant Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Romina Gazis
- Department of Plant Pathology, Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Homestead, FL, 33031, USA
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA
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Authier L, Violle C, Richard F. Ectomycorrhizal Networks in the Anthropocene: From Natural Ecosystems to Urban Planning. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:900231. [PMID: 35845640 PMCID: PMC9280895 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.900231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Trees acquire hydric and mineral soil resources through root mutualistic associations. In most boreal, temperate and Mediterranean forests, these functions are realized by a chimeric structure called ectomycorrhizae. Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are highly diversified and vary widely in their specificity toward plant hosts. Reciprocally, association patterns of ECM plants range from highly specialist to generalist. As a consequence, ECM symbiosis creates interaction networks, which also mediate plant-plant nutrient interactions among different individuals and drive plant community dynamics. Our knowledge of ECM networks essentially relies on a corpus acquired in temperate ecosystems, whereas the below-ground facets of both anthropogenic ECM forests and inter-tropical forests remain poorly investigated. Here, we successively (1) review the current knowledge of ECM networks, (2) examine the content of early literature produced in ECM cultivated forests, (3) analyze the recent progress that has been made in understanding the place of ECM networks in urban soils, and (4) provide directions for future research based on the identification of knowledge gaps. From the examined corpus of knowledge, we reach three main conclusions. First, the emergence of metabarcoding tools has propelled a resurgence of interest in applying network theory to ECM symbiosis. These methods revealed an unexpected interconnection between mutualistic plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) herbaceous plants, embedding ECM mycelia through root-endophytic interactions. This affinity of ECM fungi to bind VA and ECM plants, raises questions on the nature of the associated functions. Second, despite the central place of ECM trees in cultivated forests, little attention has been paid to these man-made landscapes and in-depth research on this topic is lacking. Third, we report a lag in applying the ECM network theory to urban soils, despite management initiatives striving to interconnect motile organisms through ecological corridors, and the highly challenging task of interconnecting fixed organisms in urban greenspaces is discussed. In particular, we observe a pauperized nature of resident ECM inoculum and a spatial conflict between belowground human pipelines and ECM networks. Finally, we identify the main directions of future research to make the needed link between the current picture of plant functioning and the understanding of belowground ECM networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Authier
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier - CNRS - EPHE - IRD, Montpellier, France
- Ilex Paysage + Urbanisme, Lyon, France
| | - Cyrille Violle
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier - CNRS - EPHE - IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Franck Richard
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier - CNRS - EPHE - IRD, Montpellier, France
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8
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Xie L, Zhou X, Liu Q, Zhao C, Yin C. Inorganic nitrogen uptake rate of Picea asperata curtailed by fine root acclimation to water and nitrogen supply and further by ectomycorrhizae. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2021; 173:2130-2141. [PMID: 34537962 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi colonization and function depend on soil water and nutrient supply. To study the effects of resource supply on ECM colonization and inorganic nitrogen (N) uptake by roots of Picea asperata seedlings, we conducted a study at the end of a 5-year long experiment consisting of five watering regimes (40, 50, 60, 80, and 100% of field capacity) and three NH4 NO3 application rates (0 [N0], 20 [N1], and 40 [N2] g N m-2 year-1 ). We measured fluxes of ammonium ( NH 4 + ) and nitrate ( NO 3 - ) into colonized and uncolonized roots using noninvasive microtest technology. We found that, across the N supply levels, ECM colonization rate increased by 53 ± 14% from the highest to the lowest level of water supply. Across the watering regimes, the fraction of mycorrhizal root tips was 39 ± 4% higher under native N supply compared to roots grown under N additions. As expected for conifers, both colonized and uncolonized roots absorbed NH 4 + at a higher rate than NO 3 - . N additions reduced the instantaneous ion uptake rates of uncolonized roots grown under low water supply but enhanced the fluxes into roots grown under sufficient soil water availability. Soil water supply improves inorganic N uptake by uncolonized roots but reduces the efficiency of colonized roots. Under the lowest water supply regime, the uptake rate of NH 4 + and NO 3 - by colonized roots was 40-80% of those by uncolonized roots, decreasing to 20-30% as soil water supply improved. Taken together, our results suggest that the role ectomycorrhizae play in the nutrient acquisition of P. asperata seedling likely diminishes with increasing availability of soil resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization and Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xingmei Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization and Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinghua Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization and Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunzhang Zhao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunying Yin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization and Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Figueiredo AF, Boy J, Guggenberger G. Common Mycorrhizae Network: A Review of the Theories and Mechanisms Behind Underground Interactions. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2021; 2:735299. [PMID: 37744156 PMCID: PMC10512311 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2021.735299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Most terrestrial plants establish symbiotic associations with mycorrhizal fungi for accessing essential plant nutrients. Mycorrhizal fungi have been frequently reported to interconnect plants via a common mycelial network (CMN), in which nutrients and signaling compounds can be exchanged between the connected plants. Several studies have been performed to demonstrate the potential effects of the CMN mediating resource transfer and its importance for plant fitness. Due to several contrasting results, different theories have been developed to predict benefits or disadvantages for host plants involved in the network and how it might affect plant communities. However, the importance of the mycelium connections for resources translocation compared to other indirect pathways, such as leakage of fungi hyphae and subsequent uptake by neighboring plant roots, is hard to distinguish and quantify. If resources can be translocated via mycelial connections in significant amounts that could affect plant fitness, it would represent an important tactic for plants co-existence and it could shape community composition and dynamics. Here, we report and critically discuss the most recent findings on studies aiming to evaluate and quantify resources translocation between plants sharing a CMN and predict the pattern that drives the movement of such resources into the CMN. We aim to point gaps and define open questions to guide upcoming studies in the area for a prospect better understanding of possible plant-to-plant interactions via CMN and its effect in shaping plants communities. We also propose new experiment set-ups and technologies that could be used to improve previous experiments. For example, the use of mutant lines plants with manipulation of genes involved in the symbiotic associations, coupled with labeling techniques to track resources translocation between connected plants, could provide a more accurate idea about resource allocation and plant physiological responses that are truly accountable to CMN.
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10
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Sapes G, Demaree P, Lekberg Y, Sala A. Plant carbohydrate depletion impairs water relations and spreads via ectomycorrhizal networks. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 229:3172-3183. [PMID: 33280134 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Under prolonged drought and reduced photosynthesis, plants consume stored nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs). Stored NSC depletion may impair the regulation of plant water balance, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, and whether such mechanisms are independent of plant water deficit is not known. If so, carbon costs of fungal symbionts could indirectly influence plant drought tolerance through stored NSC depletion. We connected well-watered Pinus ponderosa seedling pairs via ectomycorrhizal (EM) networks where one seedling was shaded (D) and the other kept illuminated (LD) and compared responses to seedling pairs in full light (L). We measured plant NSCs, osmotic and water potential, and transfer of 13 CO2 through EM to explore mechanisms linking stored NSCs to plant water balance regulation and identify potential tradeoffs between plant water retention and EM fungi under carbon-limiting conditions. NSCs decreased from L to LD to D seedlings. Even without drought, NSC depletion impaired osmoregulation and turgor maintenance, both of which are critical for drought tolerance. Importantly, EM networks propagated NSC depletion and its negative effects on water retention from carbon stressed to nonstressed hosts. We demonstrate that NSC storage depletion influences turgor maintenance independently of plant water deficit and reveal carbon allocation tradeoffs between supporting fungal symbionts and retaining water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Sapes
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Patrick Demaree
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
| | - Ylva Lekberg
- MPG Ranch, Missoula, MT, 59801, USA
- W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
| | - Anna Sala
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
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11
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Van Dorp CH, Simard SW, Durall DM. Resilience of Rhizopogon-Douglas-fir mycorrhizal networks 25 years after selective logging. MYCORRHIZA 2020; 30:467-474. [PMID: 32556666 DOI: 10.1007/s00572-020-00968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Rhizopogon vesiculosus and R. vinicolor are sister fungal species; they form ectomycorrhizas exclusively with Douglas-fir roots, and they are important in forming relatively large mycorrhizal networks, but they may be vulnerable to disturbance caused by logging practices. The main objective was to determine the resilience of mycorrhizal networks 25 years following removal of large hub trees. We predicted that the targeted removal of mature trees would reduce network connectedness compared with a non-harvested neighboring forest. Rhizopogon vesiculosus was nearly absent in the non-harvested plots, whereas both species were prominent in the harvested plots. Initially, network analysis was based only on networks formed by R. vinicolor because they were well represented in both treatments. These analyses showed that the R. vinicolor-Douglas-fir MN was more densely linked in the non-harvested plots than the harvested plots. When we accounted for differences in link and node density, there was still an edge difference and a greater vulnerability to fragmentation in harvested forests than in non-harvested forests. When both Rhizopogon sister species were included in the analysis, both treatments had similar connectivity and limited vulnerability to fragmentation. This suggests that when these forests transition from a regenerating to a non-regenerating state, the Rhizopogon network will lose R. vesiculosus but will maintain link density due to the colonization with R. vinicolor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie H Van Dorp
- Biology Department, University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus, 1177 Research Road, Science Building, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Suzanne W Simard
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Daniel M Durall
- Biology Department, University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus, 1177 Research Road, Science Building, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada.
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12
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García de Jalón L, Limousin JM, Richard F, Gessler A, Peter M, Hättenschwiler S, Milcu A. Microhabitat and ectomycorrhizal effects on the establishment, growth and survival of Quercus ilex L. seedlings under drought. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229807. [PMID: 32502167 PMCID: PMC7274372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of tree recruitment in Mediterranean holm oak (Quercus ilex) forests is threatened by the increasing intensity, duration and frequency of drought periods. Seedling germination and growth are modulated by complex interactions between abiotic (microhabitat conditions) and biotic factors (mycorrhiza association) that may mitigate the impacts of climate change on tree recruitment. To better understand and anticipate these effects, we conducted a germination experiment in a long-term precipitation reduction (PR) field experiment where we monitored seedling establishment and survival, micro-habitat conditions and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) colonization by different mycelia exploration types during the first year of seedling growth. We hypothesized that (i) the PR treatment decreases seedling survival relative to the control with ambient conditions, (ii) microhabitat conditions of water and light availability are better predictors of seedling survival than the PR treatment, (iii) the PR treatment will favour the development of ECM exploration types with drought-resistance traits such as differentiated rhizomorphs. Contrary to our first hypothesis, seedling survival was lower in control plots with overall higher soil moisture. Micro-habitat light and soil moisture conditions were better predictors of seedling survival and growth than the plot-level PR treatment, confirming our second hypothesis. Furthermore, in line with our third hypothesis, we found that ECM with longer extramatrical mycelia were more abundant in the PR treatment plots and were positively correlated to survival, which suggests a potential role of this ECM exploration type in seedling survival and recruitment. Although summer drought was the main cause of seedling mortality, our study indicates that drier conditions in spring can increase seedling survival, presumably through a synergistic effect of drought adapted ECM species and less favourable conditions for root pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura García de Jalón
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Univ. Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Marc Limousin
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Univ. Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
| | - Franck Richard
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Univ. Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
| | - Arthur Gessler
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Martina Peter
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Hättenschwiler
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Univ. Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
| | - Alexandru Milcu
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Univ. Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
- Ecotron Européen de Montpellier (UPS-3248), CNRS, Montferrier-sur-Lez, France
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Liu B, Wang S, Wang J, Zhang X, Shen Z, Shi L, Chen Y. The great potential for phytoremediation of abandoned tailings pond using ectomycorrhizal Pinus sylvestris. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 719:137475. [PMID: 32114237 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To explore the potential of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) Pinus sylvestris (P. sylvestris) utilizing in the phytoremediation of a combined heavy metal contaminated tailings pond, Pisolithus sp.1(P1)-. Pisolithus sp.2 (P2)-. Cenococcum geophilum (Cg)-. Laccaria sp. (L1)- ECM, and non-ectomycorrhizal (NM) P. sylvestris were planted separately in lead (Pb)-zinc-(Zn)-cadmium-(Cd)-combined polluted soil, collected from a tailings pond. After four months, growth, photosynthetic parameters, nutrient and heavy metal levels of the plants were evaluated. The physical and chemical properties and enzyme activities of soil before and after ECM plants planting were also investigated. The results showed that inoculation with ECM fungi improved the survival rates of host plants by increasing the biomass, photosynthesis (photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci)), and mineral nutrients (phosphorus (Pi), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca)), while it decreased the transfer factors of Cd, Pb, and Zn. In addition, ECM P. sylvestris significantly accumulated much more Cd, Pb, and Zn than NM seedlings, while it reduced pH and the availability of heavy metals (DTPA-Cd, DTPA-Pb, DTPA-Zn) in soil and increased activity of soil enzymes (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, urease). Therefore, the ECM symbionts have the great potential for phytoremediation of abandoned tailings pond, and this study provides a theoretical basis and application premise for the phytoremediation of abandoned tailings pond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binhao Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Shengxiao Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xinzhe Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhenguo Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; National Joint Local Engineering Research Center for Rural Land Resources Use and Consolidation, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; The Collaborated Lab. of Plant Molecular Ecology (between College of Life Sciences of Nanjing Agricultural University and Asian Natural Environmental Science Center of the University of Tokyo), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Liang Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; National Joint Local Engineering Research Center for Rural Land Resources Use and Consolidation, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Yahua Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; National Joint Local Engineering Research Center for Rural Land Resources Use and Consolidation, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; The Collaborated Lab. of Plant Molecular Ecology (between College of Life Sciences of Nanjing Agricultural University and Asian Natural Environmental Science Center of the University of Tokyo), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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14
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Pec GJ, Simard SW, Cahill JF, Karst J. The effects of ectomycorrhizal fungal networks on seedling establishment are contingent on species and severity of overstorey mortality. MYCORRHIZA 2020; 30:173-183. [PMID: 32088844 DOI: 10.1007/s00572-020-00940-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
For tree seedlings in boreal forests, ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal networks may promote, while root competition may impede establishment. Thus, disruption to EM fungal networks may decrease seedling establishment owing to the loss of positive interactions among neighbors. Widespread tree mortality can disrupt EM networks, but it is not clear whether seedling establishment will be limited by the loss of positive interactions or increased by the loss of negative interactions with surrounding roots. Depending upon the relative influence of these mechanisms, widespread tree mortality may have complicated consequences on seedling establishment, and in turn, the composition of future forests. To discern between these possible outcomes and the drivers of seedling establishment, we determined the relative importance of EM fungal networks, root presence, and the bulk soil on the establishment of lodgepole pine and white spruce seedlings along a gradient of beetle-induced tree mortality. We manipulated seedling contact with EM fungal networks and roots through the use of mesh-fabric cylinders installed in soils of lodgepole pine forests experiencing a range of overstorey tree mortality caused by mountain pine beetle. Lodgepole pine seedling survival was higher with access to EM fungal networks in undisturbed pine forests in comparison with that in beetle-killed stands. That is, overstorey tree mortality shifted fungal networks from being a benefit to a cost on seedling survival. In contrast, overstorey tree mortality did not change the relative strength of EM fungal networks, root presence and the bulk soil on survival and biomass of white spruce seedlings. Furthermore, the relative influence of EM fungal networks, root presence, and bulk soils on foliar N and P concentrations was highly contingent on seedling species and overstorey tree mortality. Our results highlight that following large-scale insect outbreak, soil-mediated processes can enable differential population growth of two common conifer species, which may result in species replacement in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J Pec
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, B717a, Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada.
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney, NE, 68849, USA.
| | - Suzanne W Simard
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Forest Sciences Centre #3601-2424 Main Hall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - James F Cahill
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, B717a, Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Justine Karst
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, B717a, Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada
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15
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The Dark Septate Endophytes and Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Effect on Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. Seedling Growth and their Potential Effects to Pine Wilt Disease Resistance. FORESTS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/f10020140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pine wilt disease (PWD), a worldwide threat to pine forests, has caused tremendous damage to conifer forest in the world. However, little research has been conducted on the relationship between symbiosis functions of root associated fungi and pine wilt disease. In this study, we assessed the influence of seven ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) and five dark septate endophytic fungi (DSE) on the growth traits and root morphology as well as the correlation of these parameters to the cumulative mortality and the morbidity rates in Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.showed the lowest cumulative mortality rates. We propose that the ECMF/DSE symbiosis enhanced the resistance of pine wilt disease via mitigation the dysfunction of water caused by PWN infection. Our research provided evidence that inoculation of ECMF/DSE could be a potential way for pine wilt disease prevention. To find highly efficient fungi for pine wilt disease management, more ECMF and DSE species should be tested.
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16
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Effects of Management Practices and Topography on Ectomycorrhizal Fungi of Maritime Pine during Seedling Recruitment. FORESTS 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/f9050245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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17
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Koizumi T, Hattori M, Nara K. Ectomycorrhizal fungal communities in alpine relict forests of Pinus pumila on Mt. Norikura, Japan. MYCORRHIZA 2018; 28:129-145. [PMID: 29330574 DOI: 10.1007/s00572-017-0817-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbioses are indispensable for the establishment of host trees, yet available information of ECM symbiosis in alpine forests is scarce. Pinus pumila is a typical ice age relict tree species in Japan and often forms monodominant dwarf vegetation above the tree line in mountains. We studied ECM fungi colonizing P. pumila on Mt. Norikura, Japan, with reference to host developmental stages, i.e., from current-year seedlings to mature trees. ECM fungal species were identified based on rDNA ITS sequences. Ninety-two ECM fungal species were confirmed from a total of 2480 root tips examined. Species in /suillus-rhizopogon and /wilcoxina were dominant in seedling roots. ECM fungal diversity increased with host development, due to the addition of species-rich fungal lineages (/cenococcum, /cortinarius, and /russula-lactarius) in late-successional stages. Such successional pattern of ECM fungi is similar to those in temperate pine systems, suggesting the predominant role of /suillus-rhizopogon in seedling establishment, even in relict alpine habitats fragmented and isolated for a geological time period. Most of the ECM fungi detected were also recorded in Europe or North America, indicating their potential Holarctic distribution and the possibility of their comigration with P. pumila through land bridges during ice ages. In addition, we found significant effects of soil properties on ECM fungal communities, which explained 34.1% of the total variation of the fungal communities. While alpine vegetation is regarded as vulnerable to the ongoing global warming, ECM fungal communities associated with P. pumila could be altered by the edaphic change induced by the warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Koizumi
- Department of Natural Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8563, Japan.
| | - Masahira Hattori
- Laboratory of Metagenomics, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Nara
- Department of Natural Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8563, Japan
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18
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Lankau RA, Keymer DP. Simultaneous adaptation and maladaptation of tree populations to local rhizosphere microbial communities at different taxonomic scales. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2018; 217:1267-1278. [PMID: 29206295 DOI: 10.1111/nph.14911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Plant populations are often adapted to their local conditions, but the specific selective forces creating this adaptation are often unclear. All plants interact with diverse microbial communities, but we know little about how these microbial communities as a whole shape the evolutionary trajectory of plant populations. We tested whether tree populations were adapted or maladapted to their local rhizosphere microbial communities by growing seedlings sourced from multiple locations with soil microbial communities from all locations in a fully reciprocal design, using seedling growth as a proxy for fitness. In addition, we compared the microbial composition of the experimental inocula with that of the communities we detected associating with naturally occurring trees at the seedling source populations. We found that seedlings grew similarly when inoculated with local vs foreign microbial communities, but this neutral response derived from conflicting patterns - plant populations appeared to be adapted to the presence or absence of whole taxonomic groups in their local microbial community, but were simultaneously maladapted to the particular microbial populations present in their local site. As rapid climate change and other factors push tree populations into new areas, the successful establishment of seedlings may depend critically on the balance between the novelty and familiarity of the microbial communities they encounter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Lankau
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Daniel P Keymer
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30606, USA
- College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI, 54481, USA
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Argüelles-Moyao A, Garibay-Orijel R, Márquez-Valdelamar LM, Arellano-Torres E. Clavulina-Membranomyces is the most important lineage within the highly diverse ectomycorrhizal fungal community of Abies religiosa. MYCORRHIZA 2017; 27:53-65. [PMID: 27562509 DOI: 10.1007/s00572-016-0724-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Abies religiosa is an endemic conifer of Mexico, where its monodominant forests are the winter refuge of the monarch butterfly. Due to climate change, it has been estimated that by 2090, A. religiosa populations will decline by 96.5 %. To achieve success, reforestation programs should consider its ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. We used ITS nrDNA sequences to identify the ECM fungi associated with A. religiosa and, based on its abundance and frequency, determined the diversity and community structure in a pure A. religiosa forest near Mexico City. Using sequence metadata, we inferred the species geographic distribution and host preferences. We conducted phylogenetic analyses of the Clavulinaceae (the most important family). The ECM community held 83 species, among which the richest genera were Inocybe (21 species), Tomentella (10 species), and Russula (8 species). Besides its low species richness, the Clavulina-Membranomyces lineage was the most dominant family. Clavulina cf. cinerea and Membranomyces sp. exhibited the highest relative abundance and relative frequency values. Phylogenetic analyses placed the Clavulinaceae genotypes in three different clades: one within Membranomyces and two within Clavulina. A meta-analysis showed that the majority of the ECM fungi (45.78 %) associated with A. religiosa in Mexico have also been sequenced from North America and are shared by Pinaceae and Fagaceae. In contrast, because they have not been sequenced previously, 32.2 % of the species have a restricted distribution. Here, we highlight the emerging pattern that the Clavulina-Membranomyces lineage is dominant in several ECM communities in the Neotropics, including Aldinia and Dicymbe legume tropical forests in the Guyana Shield, the Alnus acuminata subtropical communities, and the A. religiosa temperate forests in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Argüelles-Moyao
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, DF, C.P. 04510, México
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Edificio B, 1° Piso, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacan, DF, C.P. 04510, México
| | - Roberto Garibay-Orijel
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, DF, C.P. 04510, México.
| | - Laura Margarita Márquez-Valdelamar
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, DF, C.P. 04510, México
| | - Elsa Arellano-Torres
- Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, DF, C.P. 04510, México
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20
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Plant-mycorrhizal fungi associations along an urbanization gradient: implications for tree seedling survival. Urban Ecosyst 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-016-0630-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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21
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Lankau RA, Zhu K, Ordonez A. Mycorrhizal strategies of tree species correlate with trailing range edge responses to current and past climate change. Ecology 2015. [DOI: 10.1890/14-2419.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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22
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Gorzelak MA, Asay AK, Pickles BJ, Simard SW. Inter-plant communication through mycorrhizal networks mediates complex adaptive behaviour in plant communities. AOB PLANTS 2015; 7:plv050. [PMID: 25979966 PMCID: PMC4497361 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plv050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive behaviour of plants, including rapid changes in physiology, gene regulation and defence response, can be altered when linked to neighbouring plants by a mycorrhizal network (MN). Mechanisms underlying the behavioural changes include mycorrhizal fungal colonization by the MN or interplant communication via transfer of nutrients, defence signals or allelochemicals. We focus this review on our new findings in ectomycorrhizal ecosystems, and also review recent advances in arbuscular mycorrhizal systems. We have found that the behavioural changes in ectomycorrhizal plants depend on environmental cues, the identity of the plant neighbour and the characteristics of the MN. The hierarchical integration of this phenomenon with other biological networks at broader scales in forest ecosystems, and the consequences we have observed when it is interrupted, indicate that underground 'tree talk' is a foundational process in the complex adaptive nature of forest ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika A Gorzelak
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Amanda K Asay
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Brian J Pickles
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Suzanne W Simard
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
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23
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Song YY, Simard SW, Carroll A, Mohn WW, Zeng RS. Defoliation of interior Douglas-fir elicits carbon transfer and stress signalling to ponderosa pine neighbors through ectomycorrhizal networks. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8495. [PMID: 25683155 PMCID: PMC4329569 DOI: 10.1038/srep08495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive regions of interior Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca, IDF) forests in North America are being damaged by drought and western spruce budworm (Choristoneura occidentalis). This damage is resulting from warmer and drier summers associated with climate change. To test whether defoliated IDF can directly transfer resources to ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosae) regenerating nearby, thus aiding in forest recovery, we examined photosynthetic carbon transfer and defense enzyme response. We grew pairs of ectomycorrhizal IDF 'donor' and ponderosa pine 'receiver' seedlings in pots and isolated transfer pathways by comparing 35 μm, 0.5 μm and no mesh treatments; we then stressed IDF donors either through manual defoliation or infestation by the budworm. We found that manual defoliation of IDF donors led to transfer of photosynthetic carbon to neighboring receivers through mycorrhizal networks, but not through soil or root pathways. Both manual and insect defoliation of donors led to increased activity of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and superoxide dismutase in the ponderosa pine receivers, via a mechanism primarily dependent on the mycorrhizal network. These findings indicate that IDF can transfer resources and stress signals to interspecific neighbors, suggesting ectomycorrhizal networks can serve as agents of interspecific communication facilitating recovery and succession of forests after disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yuan Song
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Jinshan, Fuzhou 350002, P.R. China
| | - Suzanne W. Simard
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Allan Carroll
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - William W. Mohn
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Ren Sen Zeng
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Jinshan, Fuzhou 350002, P.R. China
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24
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Resource Transfer Between Plants Through Ectomycorrhizal Fungal Networks. ECOLOGICAL STUDIES 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-7395-9_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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25
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Mohan JE, Cowden CC, Baas P, Dawadi A, Frankson PT, Helmick K, Hughes E, Khan S, Lang A, Machmuller M, Taylor M, Witt CA. Mycorrhizal fungi mediation of terrestrial ecosystem responses to global change: mini-review. FUNGAL ECOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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26
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Jarvis S, Woodward S, Alexander IJ, Taylor AFS. Regional scale gradients of climate and nitrogen deposition drive variation in ectomycorrhizal fungal communities associated with native Scots pine. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2013; 19:1688-96. [PMID: 23505218 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Revised: 01/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Ectomycorrhizal fungi commonly associate with the roots of forest trees where they enhance nutrient and water uptake, promote seedling establishment and have an important role in forest nutrient cycling. Predicting the response of ectomycorrhizal fungi to environmental change is an important step to maintaining forest productivity in the future. These predictions are currently limited by an incomplete understanding of the relative significance of environmental drivers in determining the community composition of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi at large spatial scales. To identify patterns of community composition in ECM fungi along regional scale gradients of climate and nitrogen deposition in Scotland, fungal communities were analysed from 15 seminatural Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests. Fungal taxa were identified by sequencing of the ITS rDNA region using fungal-specific primers. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling was used to assess the significance of 16 climatic, pollutant and edaphic variables on community composition. Vector fitting showed that there was a strong influence of rainfall and soil moisture on community composition at the species level, and a smaller impact of temperature on the abundance of ectomycorrhizal exploration types. Nitrogen deposition was also found to be important in determining community composition, but only when the forest experiencing the highest deposition (9.8 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1) ) was included in the analysis. This finding supports previously published critical load estimates for ectomycorrhizal fungi of 5-10 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1) . This work demonstrates that both climate and nitrogen deposition can drive gradients of fungal community composition at a regional scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Jarvis
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, UK.
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Simard SW, Beiler KJ, Bingham MA, Deslippe JR, Philip LJ, Teste FP. Mycorrhizal networks: Mechanisms, ecology and modelling. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2012.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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