1
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Guy P, Sibly R, Smart SM, Tibbett M, Pickles BJ. Mycorrhizal type of woody plants influences understory species richness in British broadleaved woodlands. New Phytol 2022; 235:2046-2053. [PMID: 35622460 PMCID: PMC9543792 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mature temperate woodlands are commonly dominated by ectomycorrhizal trees, whereas understory plants predominantly form arbuscular mycorrhizal associations. Due to differences in plant-fungus compatibility between canopy and ground layer vegetation the 'mycorrhizal mediation hypothesis' predicts that herbaceous plant establishment may be limited by a lack of suitable mycorrhizal fungal inoculum. We examined plant species data for 103 woodlands across Great Britain recorded in 1971 and in 2000 to test whether herbaceous plant species richness was related to the proportion of arbuscular mycorrhizal woody plants. We compared the effect of mycorrhizal type with other important drivers of woodland plant species richness. We found a positive effect of the relative abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal woody plants on herbaceous plant species richness. The size of the observed effect was smaller than that of pH. Moreover, the effect persisted over time, despite many woodlands undergoing marked successional change and increased understorey shading. This work supports the mycorrhizal mediation hypothesis in British woodlands and suggests that increased abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal woody plants is associated with greater understory plant species richness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Guy
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Reading, Health and Life Sciences BuildingWhiteknightsReadingRG6 6EXUK
- School of Agriculture, Policy, and DevelopmentUniversity of ReadingWhiteknightsReadingRG6 6BZUK
| | - Richard Sibly
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Reading, Health and Life Sciences BuildingWhiteknightsReadingRG6 6EXUK
| | - Simon M. Smart
- UK Centre for Ecology & HydrologyLibrary Avenue, BailriggLancasterLA1 4APUK
| | - Mark Tibbett
- School of Agriculture, Policy, and DevelopmentUniversity of ReadingWhiteknightsReadingRG6 6BZUK
| | - Brian J. Pickles
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Reading, Health and Life Sciences BuildingWhiteknightsReadingRG6 6EXUK
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2
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Rai JK, Pickles BJ, Perotti MA. Assemblages of Acari in shallow burials: mites as markers of the burial environment, of the stage of decay and of body-cadaver regions. Exp Appl Acarol 2021; 85:247-276. [PMID: 34622362 PMCID: PMC8604864 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-021-00663-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The burial of a cadaver results in reduced arthropod activity and disruptions in colonisation patterns. Here, the distribution and diversity of mite taxa was studied across decomposition stages of shallowly buried pig carcasses (Sus scrofa domesticus). In total 300 mites (88 species) were collected from three pig shallow graves compared to 129 mites (46 species) from control (bare) soil samples at the same depth. A successional pattern of Acari higher taxa and families was observed, and species richness and biodiversity fluctuated throughout decomposition, whereas active decay showed the greatest biodiversity. Mesostigmata mites were the most abundant in 'cadaver soils' with a significant difference in the abundance of Parasitidae mites, whereas Oribatida mites (true soil mites) were the most abundant in control soils. Certain mite species were significantly associated with decay stages: Cornigamasus lunaris with 'bloated', Gamasodes spiniger with 'active', Eugamasus sp. and Lorryia reticulata with 'advanced', and Macrocheles matrius and Ramusella clavipectinata in 'dry'. Scheloribates laevigatus was a marker of bare soil at a shallow depth and Vulgoramasus remberti of buried decomposition, not specific to any decay stage. Analysis of mite assemblages associated with head, torso and posterior body showed that Parasitus evertsi and M. matrius are attracted to beneath the thighs, whereas L. reticulata to beneath the head. This study highlights the value of mites as indicator species of decomposition and its stages, confirming (1) a succession of Acari on buried remains and (2) species specificity to body regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jas K Rai
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Section, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, UK
| | - Brian J Pickles
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Section, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, UK
| | - M Alejandra Perotti
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Section, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, UK.
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3
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Rai JK, Pickles BJ, Perotti MA. The impact of the decomposition process of shallow graves on soil mite abundance. J Forensic Sci 2021; 67:605-618. [PMID: 34651318 PMCID: PMC9293349 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Burial of a cadaver results in a slower decomposition rate, due to more stable below‐ground temperatures and restricted access to necrophagous insects. In such circumstances, analysis of the soil mesofauna, with emphasis on mites (Acari) may be more valuable in time‐of‐death estimations. The production of volatile organic compounds of cadaveric decay results in changes, especially in the soil pH, which in turn would affect the abundance and diversity of the associated mites. In general, the effects of decomposition and the consequently altered pH levels on the abundance of mites in shallow graves, as well as the effects of fluctuating above‐ground environmental parameters (temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation) remain unknown. Here, we found that the decay of three pig cadavers buried in shallow graves (<30 cm below) caused a significant increase in the soil pH throughout decomposition, from neutral to alkaline. Cadaver decay attracted an abundance of mites: with 300 mites collected from the three pig cadavers compared to 129 from the control soil samples at the same depth. Mites rapidly became more abundant in cadaver‐associated soils than in control soils after the fresh stage. Increasing soil pH had a positive impact on the abundance of mites in graves and there was a significant interaction between cadaver body temperature and soil pH. Above‐ground fluctuations in temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation were found to have no significant direct effect on mite abundance in grave or control soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jas K Rai
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Section, School of Biological Sciences, Health and Life Sciences Building, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Brian J Pickles
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Section, School of Biological Sciences, Health and Life Sciences Building, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - M Alejandra Perotti
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Section, School of Biological Sciences, Health and Life Sciences Building, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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4
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Senapathi D, Fründ J, Albrecht M, Garratt MPD, Kleijn D, Pickles BJ, Potts SG, An J, Andersson GKS, Bänsch S, Basu P, Benjamin F, Bezerra ADM, Bhattacharya R, Biesmeijer JC, Blaauw B, Blitzer EJ, Brittain CA, Carvalheiro LG, Cariveau DP, Chakraborty P, Chatterjee A, Chatterjee S, Cusser S, Danforth BN, Degani E, Freitas BM, Garibaldi LA, Geslin B, de Groot GA, Harrison T, Howlett B, Isaacs R, Jha S, Klatt BK, Krewenka K, Leigh S, Lindström SAM, Mandelik Y, McKerchar M, Park M, Pisanty G, Rader R, Reemer M, Rundlöf M, Smith B, Smith HG, Silva PN, Steffan-Dewenter I, Tscharntke T, Webber S, Westbury DB, Westphal C, Wickens JB, Wickens VJ, Winfree R, Zhang H, Klein AM. Wild insect diversity increases inter-annual stability in global crop pollinator communities. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210212. [PMID: 33726596 PMCID: PMC8059553 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
While an increasing number of studies indicate that the range, diversity and abundance of many wild pollinators has declined, the global area of pollinator-dependent crops has significantly increased over the last few decades. Crop pollination studies to date have mainly focused on either identifying different guilds pollinating various crops, or on factors driving spatial changes and turnover observed in these communities. The mechanisms driving temporal stability for ecosystem functioning and services, however, remain poorly understood. Our study quantifies temporal variability observed in crop pollinators in 21 different crops across multiple years at a global scale. Using data from 43 studies from six continents, we show that (i) higher pollinator diversity confers greater inter-annual stability in pollinator communities, (ii) temporal variation observed in pollinator abundance is primarily driven by the three-most dominant species, and (iii) crops in tropical regions demonstrate higher inter-annual variability in pollinator species richness than crops in temperate regions. We highlight the importance of recognizing wild pollinator diversity in agricultural landscapes to stabilize pollinator persistence across years to protect both biodiversity and crop pollination services. Short-term agricultural management practices aimed at dominant species for stabilizing pollination services need to be considered alongside longer term conservation goals focussed on maintaining and facilitating biodiversity to confer ecological stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Senapathi
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy & Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Jochen Fründ
- Biometry and Environmental System Analysis, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Albrecht
- Institute for Sustainability Sciences, Agroscope, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael P D Garratt
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy & Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - David Kleijn
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Brian J Pickles
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Simon G Potts
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy & Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Jiandong An
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Georg K S Andersson
- Universidad Nacional de Río Negro, Instituto de Investigaciones en Recursos Naturales, Agroecología y Desarrollo Rural, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Svenja Bänsch
- Functional Agrobiodiversity, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Agroecology, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Parthiba Basu
- Centre for Pollination Studies, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Faye Benjamin
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, USA
| | - Antonio Diego M Bezerra
- Setor de Abelhas, Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza - CE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Brett Blaauw
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Claire A Brittain
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 6EY, UK
| | - Luísa G Carvalheiro
- Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Brazil.,Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), University of Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Arnob Chatterjee
- Centre for Pollination Studies, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Soumik Chatterjee
- Centre for Pollination Studies, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Sarah Cusser
- W. K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, MI, USA
| | | | - Erika Degani
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy & Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Breno M Freitas
- Setor de Abelhas, Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza - CE, Brazil
| | - Lucas A Garibaldi
- Universidad Nacional de Río Negro, Instituto de Investigaciones en Recursos Naturales, Agroecología y Desarrollo Rural, Río Negro, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Recursos Naturales, Agroecología y Desarrollo Rural, San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Benoit Geslin
- IMBE, Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, Marseille, France
| | - G Arjen de Groot
- Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tina Harrison
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, USA
| | - Brad Howlett
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, New Zealand
| | - Rufus Isaacs
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA.,Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Program, East Lansing, USA
| | - Shalene Jha
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, USA
| | - Björn Kristian Klatt
- Agroecology, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Biology, Biodiversity, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristin Krewenka
- Heidelberg Research Service, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Samuel Leigh
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy & Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Sandra A M Lindström
- Department of Biology, Biodiversity, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.,Swedish Rural Economy and Agricultural Society, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Yael Mandelik
- Department of Entomology, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Megan McKerchar
- School of Science and Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
| | - Mia Park
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.,Field Engine Wildlife Research and Management, Moodus, CT 06469, USA
| | - Gideon Pisanty
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Ontario, Canada
| | - Romina Rader
- School of Environment and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
| | - Menno Reemer
- Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maj Rundlöf
- Department of Biology, Biodiversity, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Barbara Smith
- Centre for Pollination Studies, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India.,Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University, UK
| | - Henrik G Smith
- Centre of Environmental and Climate Research & Department of Biology, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Patrícia Nunes Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Av. Unisinos, 950, São Leopoldo, RS, Caixa Postal 93022-750, Brazil
| | - Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Teja Tscharntke
- Agroecology, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sean Webber
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy & Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Duncan B Westbury
- School of Science and Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
| | - Catrin Westphal
- Functional Agrobiodiversity, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Agroecology, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jennifer B Wickens
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy & Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Victoria J Wickens
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy & Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Rachael Winfree
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Alexandra-Maria Klein
- Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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O'Donnell L, Pickles BJ, Campbell CM, Moulton LL, Hauwert NM, Gorzelak MA. Native tree and shrub canopy facilitates oak seedling regeneration in semiarid woodland. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa O'Donnell
- City of Austin Balcones Canyonlands Preserve 3621 Ranch Road 620 South Austin Texas 78738 USA
| | - Brian J. Pickles
- School of Biological Sciences University of Reading Harborne Building, Whiteknights Reading RG6 6AS UK
| | - Cristina M. Campbell
- City of Austin Balcones Canyonlands Preserve 3621 Ranch Road 620 South Austin Texas 78738 USA
| | - Laurel L. Moulton
- City of Austin Balcones Canyonlands Preserve 3621 Ranch Road 620 South Austin Texas 78738 USA
| | - Nico M. Hauwert
- City of Austin Balcones Canyonlands Preserve 3621 Ranch Road 620 South Austin Texas 78738 USA
| | - Monika A. Gorzelak
- School of Biological Sciences University of Reading Harborne Building, Whiteknights Reading RG6 6AS UK
- Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada Lethbridge Development and Research Centre 5403‐1 Avenue South Lethbridge Alberta T1J 4B1 Canada
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6
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Pickles
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Harborne Building, Reading, RG6 6AS, UK
| | - Camille Truong
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Zona Deportiva s.n., Ciudad Universitaria, Apartado Postal 70-367, Ciudad de México, C.P. 04510, Mexico
| | | | - C Guillermo Bueno
- Department of Botany, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, 40 Lai Street, 51005, Tartu, Estonia
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7
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Defrenne CE, Philpott TJ, Guichon SHA, Roach WJ, Pickles BJ, Simard SW. Shifts in Ectomycorrhizal Fungal Communities and Exploration Types Relate to the Environment and Fine-Root Traits Across Interior Douglas-Fir Forests of Western Canada. Front Plant Sci 2019; 10:643. [PMID: 31191571 PMCID: PMC6547044 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Large-scale studies that examine the responses of ectomycorrhizal fungi across biogeographic gradients are necessary to assess their role in mediating current and predicted future alterations in forest ecosystem processes. We assessed the extent of environmental filtering on interior Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) ectomycorrhizal fungal communities across regional gradients in precipitation, temperature, and soil fertility in interior Douglas-fir dominated forests of western Canada. We also examined relationships between fine-root traits and mycorrhizal fungal exploration types by combining root and fungal trait measurements with next-generation sequencing. Temperature, precipitation, and soil C:N ratio affected fungal community dissimilarity and exploration type abundance but had no effect on α-diversity. Fungi with rhizomorphs (e.g., Piloderma sp.) or proteolytic abilities (e.g., Cortinarius sp.) dominated communities in warmer and less fertile environments. Ascomycetes (e.g., Cenococcum geophilum) or shorter distance explorers, which potentially cost the plant less C, were favored in colder/drier climates where soils were richer in total nitrogen. Environmental filtering of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities is potentially related to co-evolutionary history between Douglas-fir populations and fungal symbionts, suggesting success of interior Douglas-fir as climate changes may be dependent on maintaining strong associations with local communities of mycorrhizal fungi. No evidence for a link between root and fungal resource foraging strategies was found at the regional scale. This lack of evidence further supports the need for a mycorrhizal symbiosis framework that is independent of root trait frameworks, to aid in understanding belowground plant uptake strategies across environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille E. Defrenne
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Timothy J. Philpott
- Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District, Williams Lake, BC, Canada
| | - Shannon H. A. Guichon
- Stable Isotope Facility, Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - W. Jean Roach
- Skyline Forestry Consultants Ltd., Kamloops, BC, Canada
| | - Brian J. Pickles
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne W. Simard
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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8
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Pither J, Pickles BJ, Simard SW, Ordonez A, Williams JW. Below-ground biotic interactions moderated the postglacial range dynamics of trees. New Phytol 2018; 220:1148-1160. [PMID: 29770964 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Tree range shifts during geohistorical global change events provide a useful real-world model for how future changes in forest biomes may proceed. In North America, during the last deglaciation, the distributions of tree taxa varied significantly as regards the rate and direction of their responses for reasons that remain unclear. Local-scale processes such as establishment, growth, and resilience to environmental stress ultimately influence range dynamics. Despite the fact that interactions between trees and soil biota are known to influence local-scale processes profoundly, evidence linking below-ground interactions to distribution dynamics remains scarce. We evaluated climate velocity and plant traits related to dispersal, environmental tolerance and below-ground symbioses, as potential predictors of the geohistorical rates of expansion and contraction of the core distributions of tree genera between 16 and 7 ka bp. The receptivity of host genera towards ectomycorrhizal fungi was strongly supported as a positive predictor of poleward rates of distribution expansion, and seed mass was supported as a negative predictor. Climate velocity gained support as a positive predictor of rates of distribution contraction, but not expansion. Our findings indicate that understanding how tree distributions, and thus forest ecosystems, respond to climate change requires the simultaneous consideration of traits, biotic interactions and abiotic forcing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Pither
- Okanagan Institute for Biodiversity, Resilience, and Ecosystem Services, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 3187 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Brian J Pickles
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Harborne Building, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AS, UK
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Suzanne W Simard
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Alejandro Ordonez
- Department of Bioscience - Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Queen's University Belfast - School of Biological Sciences, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - John W Williams
- Department of Geography and Center for Climatic Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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Pither J, Pickles BJ. The paleosymbiosis hypothesis: host plants can be colonised by root symbionts that have been inactive for centuries to millenia. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2017; 93:3806672. [PMID: 28486678 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fix061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Paleoecologists have speculated that post-glacial migration of tree species could have been facilitated by mycorrhizal symbionts surviving glaciation as resistant propagules belowground. The general premise of this idea, which we call the 'paleosymbiosis hypothesis', is that host plants can access and be colonised by fungal root symbionts that have been inactive for millennia. Here, we explore the plausibility of this hypothesis by synthesising relevant findings from a diverse literature. For example, the paleoecology literature provided evidence of modern roots penetrating paleosols containing ancient (>6000 years) fungal propagules, though these were of unknown condition. With respect to propagule longevity, the available evidence is of mixed quality, but includes convincing examples consistent with the paleosymbiosis hypothesis (i.e. >1000 years viable propagules). We describe symbiont traits and environmental conditions that should favour the development and preservation of an ancient propagule bank, and discuss the implications for our understanding of soil symbiont diversity and ecosystem functioning. We conclude that the paleosymbiosis hypothesis is plausible in locations where propagule deposition and preservation conditions are favourable (e.g. permafrost regions). We encourage future belowground research to consider and explore the potential temporal origins of root symbioses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Pither
- Okanagan Institute for Biodiversity, Resilience, and Ecosystem Services, University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus, ASC 367, 3187 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Brian J Pickles
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Harborne Building, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 8AS, UK
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10
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Pickles BJ, Wilhelm R, Asay AK, Hahn AS, Simard SW, Mohn WW. Transfer of 13 C between paired Douglas-fir seedlings reveals plant kinship effects and uptake of exudates by ectomycorrhizas. New Phytol 2017; 214:400-411. [PMID: 27870059 DOI: 10.1111/nph.14325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Processes governing the fixation, partitioning, and mineralization of carbon in soils are under increasing scrutiny as we develop a more comprehensive understanding of global carbon cycling. Here we examined fixation by Douglas-fir seedlings and transfer to associated ectomycorrhizal fungi, soil microbes, and full-sibling or nonsibling neighbouring seedlings. Stable isotope probing with 99% 13 C-CO2 was applied to trace 13 C-labelled photosynthate throughout plants, fungi, and soil microbes in an experiment designed to assess the effect of relatedness on 13 C transfer between plant pairs. The fixation and transfer of the 13 C label to plant, fungal, and soil microbial tissue was examined in biomass and phospholipid fatty acids. After a 6 d chase period, c. 26.8% of the 13 C remaining in the system was translocated below ground. Enrichment was proportionally greatest in ectomycorrhizal biomass. The presence of mesh barriers (0.5 or 35 μm) between seedlings did not restrict 13 C transfer. Fungi were the primary recipients of 13 C-labelled photosynthate throughout the system, representing 60-70% of total 13 C-enriched phospholipids. Full-sibling pairs exhibited significantly greater 13 C transfer to recipient roots in two of four Douglas-fir families, representing three- and fourfold increases (+ c. 4 μg excess 13 C) compared with nonsibling pairs. The existence of a root/mycorrhizal exudation-hyphal uptake pathway was supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Pickles
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Harborne Building, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AS, UK
| | - Roland Wilhelm
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z3
| | - Amanda K Asay
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Aria S Hahn
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z3
| | - Suzanne W Simard
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - William W Mohn
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z3
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11
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Gorzelak MA, Pickles BJ, Hart MM. Exploring the symbiont diversity of ancient western redcedars: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of long-lived hosts. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:1586-1597. [PMID: 28099772 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are globally distributed, monophyletic root symbionts with ancient origins. Their contribution to carbon cycling and nutrient dynamics is ecologically important, given their obligate association with over 70% of vascular plant species. Current understanding of AMF species richness and community structure is based primarily on studies of grasses, herbs and agricultural crops, typically in disturbed environments. Few studies have considered AMF interactions with long-lived woody perennial species in undisturbed ecosystems. Here we examined AMF communities associated with roots and soils of young, mature and old western redcedar (Thuja plicata) at two sites in the old-growth temperate rainforests of British Columbia. Due to the unique biology of AMF, community richness and structure were assessed using a conservative, clade-based approach. We found 91 AMF OTUs across all samples, with significantly greater AMF richness in the southern site, but no differences in richness along the host chronosequence at either site. All host age classes harboured AMF communities that were overdispersed (more different to each other than expected by chance), with young tree communities most resembling old tree communities. A comparison with similar clade richness data obtained from the literature indicates that western redcedar AMF communities are as rich as those of grasses, tropical trees and palms. Our examination of undisturbed temperate old-growth rainforests suggests that priority effects, rather than succession, are an important aspect of AMF community assembly in this ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika A Gorzelak
- Department of Forest and Conservation Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Brian J Pickles
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Harborne Building, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 8AS, UK
| | - Miranda M Hart
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
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12
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Pickles BJ, Gorzelak MA, Green DS, Egger KN, Massicotte HB. Host and habitat filtering in seedling root-associated fungal communities: taxonomic and functional diversity are altered in 'novel' soils. Mycorrhiza 2015; 25:517-31. [PMID: 25694036 DOI: 10.1007/s00572-015-0630-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Climatic and land use changes have significant consequences for the distribution of tree species, both through natural dispersal processes and following management prescriptions. Responses to these changes will be expressed most strongly in seedlings near current species range boundaries. In northern temperate forest ecosystems, where changes are already being observed, ectomycorrhizal fungi contribute significantly to successful tree establishment. We hypothesised that communities of fungal symbionts might therefore play a role in facilitating, or limiting, host seedling range expansion. To test this hypothesis, ectomycorrhizal communities of interior Douglas-fir and interior lodgepole pine seedlings were analysed in a common greenhouse environment following growth in five soils collected along an ecosystem gradient. Currently, Douglas-fir's natural distribution encompasses three of the five soils, whereas lodgepole pine's extends much further north. Host filtering was evident amongst the 29 fungal species encountered: 7 were shared, 9 exclusive to Douglas-fir and 13 exclusive to lodgepole pine. Seedlings of both host species formed symbioses with each soil fungal community, thus Douglas-fir did so even where those soils came from outside its current distribution. However, these latter communities displayed significant taxonomic and functional differences to those found within the host distribution, indicative of habitat filtering. In contrast, lodgepole pine fungal communities displayed high functional similarity across the soil gradient. Taxonomic and/or functional shifts in Douglas-fir fungal communities may prove ecologically significant during the predicted northward migration of this species; especially in combination with changes in climate and management operations, such as seed transfer across geographical regions for forestry purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Pickles
- Ecosystem Science and Management Program, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9, Canada.
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Monika A Gorzelak
- Ecosystem Science and Management Program, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - D Scott Green
- Ecosystem Science and Management Program, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Keith N Egger
- Ecosystem Science and Management Program, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Hugues B Massicotte
- Ecosystem Science and Management Program, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9, Canada
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13
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Pickles BJ, Twieg BD, O'Neill GA, Mohn WW, Simard SW. Local adaptation in migrated interior Douglas-fir seedlings is mediated by ectomycorrhizas and other soil factors. New Phytol 2015; 207:858-71. [PMID: 25757098 DOI: 10.1111/nph.13360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Separating edaphic impacts on tree distributions from those of climate and geography is notoriously difficult. Aboveground and belowground factors play important roles, and determining their relative contribution to tree success will greatly assist in refining predictive models and forestry strategies in a changing climate. In a common glasshouse, seedlings of interior Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) from multiple populations were grown in multiple forest soils. Fungicide was applied to half of the seedlings to separate soil fungal and nonfungal impacts on seedling performance. Soils of varying geographic and climatic distance from seed origin were compared, using a transfer function approach. Seedling height and biomass were optimized following seed transfer into drier soils, whereas survival was optimized when elevation transfer was minimised. Fungicide application reduced ectomycorrhizal root colonization by c. 50%, with treated seedlings exhibiting greater survival but reduced biomass. Local adaptation of Douglas-fir populations to soils was mediated by soil fungi to some extent in 56% of soil origin by response variable combinations. Mediation by edaphic factors in general occurred in 81% of combinations. Soil biota, hitherto unaccounted for in climate models, interacts with biogeography to influence plant ranges in a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Pickles
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Brendan D Twieg
- UC Cooperative Extension, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, Eureka, CA, 95503, USA
| | - Gregory A O'Neill
- Kalamalka Research Station, BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, 3401 Reservoir Road, Vernon, BC, V1B 2C7, Canada
| | - William W Mohn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Suzanne W Simard
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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14
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Hart MM, Aleklett K, Chagnon PL, Egan C, Ghignone S, Helgason T, Lekberg Y, Öpik M, Pickles BJ, Waller L. Navigating the labyrinth: a guide to sequence-based, community ecology of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. New Phytol 2015; 207:235-247. [PMID: 25737096 DOI: 10.1111/nph.13340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Data generated from next generation sequencing (NGS) will soon comprise the majority of information about arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities. Although these approaches give deeper insight, analysing NGS data involves decisions that can significantly affect results and conclusions. This is particularly true for AMF community studies, because much remains to be known about their basic biology and genetics. During a workshop in 2013, representatives from seven research groups using NGS for AMF community ecology gathered to discuss common challenges and directions for future research. Our goal was to improve the quality and accessibility of NGS data for the AMF research community. Discussions spanned sampling design, sample preservation, sequencing, bioinformatics and data archiving. With concrete examples we demonstrated how different approaches can significantly alter analysis outcomes. Failure to consider the consequences of these decisions may compound bias introduced at each step along the workflow. The products of these discussions have been summarized in this paper in order to serve as a guide for any researcher undertaking NGS sequencing of AMF communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda M Hart
- Biology University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Kristin Aleklett
- Biology University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Pierre-Luc Chagnon
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boulevard de l'université, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Cameron Egan
- Biology University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Stefano Ghignone
- Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle Piante (UOS Torino), C.N.R., Torino, Italy
| | - Thorunn Helgason
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Ylva Lekberg
- MPG Ranch and Department for Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Maarja Öpik
- Department of Botany, University of Tartu, 40 Lai St, 51005, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Brian J Pickles
- Biology University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Lauren Waller
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
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15
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Pickles BJ, Pither J. Still scratching the surface: how much of the 'black box' of soil ectomycorrhizal communities remains in the dark? New Phytol 2014; 201:1101-1105. [PMID: 24279722 DOI: 10.1111/nph.12616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Pickles
- Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus, 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Jason Pither
- Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus, 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
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17
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Pickles BJ, Genney DR, Anderson IC, Alexander IJ. Spatial analysis of ectomycorrhizal fungi reveals that root tip communities are structured by competitive interactions. Mol Ecol 2012; 21:5110-23. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2012.05739.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Revised: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ian J. Alexander
- University of Aberdeen; Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences; Cruickshank Building; Aberdeen; AB24 3UU; UK
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19
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Abstract
Spatial analysis was used to explore the distribution of individual species in an ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal community to address: whether mycorrhizas of individual ECM fungal species were patchily distributed, and at what scale; and what the causes of this patchiness might be. Ectomycorrhizas were extracted from spatially explicit samples of the surface organic horizons of a pine plantation. The number of mycorrhizas of each ECM fungal species was recorded using morphotyping combined with internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. Semivariograms, kriging and cluster analyses were used to determine both the extent and scale of spatial autocorrelation in species abundances, potential interactions between species, and change over time. The mycorrhizas of some, but not all, ECM fungal species were patchily distributed and the size of patches differed between species. The relative abundance of individual ECM fungal species and the position of patches of ectomycorrhizas changed between years. Spatial and temporal analysis revealed a dynamic ECM fungal community with many interspecific interactions taking place, despite the homogeneity of the host community. The spatial pattern of mycorrhizas was influenced by the underlying distribution of fine roots, but local root density was in turn influenced by the presence of specific fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Pickles
- School of Biological Sciences, Plant and Soil Science, University of Aberdeen, St Machar Drive, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, UK.
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