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Multi-functionality and biodiversity in arbuscular mycorrhizas.
K K Newsham1, A H Fitter, A R Watkinson
1K.K. Newsham is at ITE Monks Wood Research Station, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, UK PE17 2LS.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|January 18, 2011
Summary
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi offer benefits to plants, but the type of advantage, such as enhanced phosphorus uptake or protection from pathogens, depends on the plant's root system architecture. This highlights a continuum of AM fungal benefits.
Area of Science:
- Plant-fungal interactions
- Ecology
- Mycology
Background:
- Plant roots host diverse fungi, including pathogenic, opportunistic, and mutualistic mycorrhizal types.
- Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi represent the most abundant and widespread mycorrhizal association.
- The traditional view posits AM fungi primarily facilitate plant phosphorus uptake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between plant root system architecture and the benefits derived from arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal associations.
- To explore alternative benefits of AM fungi beyond phosphorus uptake, particularly in relation to root system morphology.
Main Methods:
- Field-based studies were conducted in temperate ecosystems.
- Plant species with varying root system architectures were analyzed.
- The impact of AM fungal colonization on plant health and nutrient uptake was assessed.
Main Results:
- Plant species with poorly branched root systems showed benefits from AM fungi primarily through enhanced phosphorus uptake.
- Plant species with highly branched root systems appeared to benefit from AM fungi through protection against root pathogenic fungi.
- These findings suggest a continuum of AM fungal benefits influenced by root system architecture.
Conclusions:
- The benefits plants receive from arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are not uniform and are significantly modulated by the plant's root system architecture.
- Root system morphology dictates whether plants primarily gain enhanced nutrient acquisition or pathogen protection from AM fungal symbionts.
- A nuanced understanding of AM fungal symbiosis requires considering the interplay between fungal partners and plant root traits.
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