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Mycorrhizal Maps as a Tool to Explore Colonization Patterns and Fungal Strategies in the Roots of Festuca rubra and Zea mays
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ECTOMYCORRHIZAL VS ENDOMYCORRHIZAL FUNGI WITHIN THE SAME ROOT SYSTEM.
G A Chilvers1, F F Lapeyrie1, D P Horan1
1Department of Botany, Australian National University, P.O. Box 4, Canberra City, A.C.T. 2601, Australia.
The New Phytologist
|April 20, 2021
Summary
Vesicular-arbuscular (VA) and ectomycorrhizal fungi coexist in Eucalyptus roots, with VA mycorrhizas appearing first, followed by ectomycorrhizas. Competition for resources occurs between these essential plant symbionts.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Mycology
- Ecology
Background:
- Vesicular-arbuscular (VA) and ectomycorrhizal fungi are crucial plant symbionts.
- Co-occurrence of different mycorrhizal types in host roots is common but complex.
- Understanding inter-fungal interactions is vital for plant health and ecosystem function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamics of VA and ectomycorrhizal colonization in Eucalyptus seedlings.
- To determine the temporal succession and spatial interactions between VA and ectomycorrhizal fungi.
- To explore potential competition between these mycorrhizal types within the same root system.
Main Methods:
- Observation of VA and ectomycorrhizal fungi in Eucalyptus dumosa root systems.
- Analysis of mycorrhizal colonization patterns over time.
- Assessment of fungal interactions at the root apex and within lateral branches.
Main Results:
- VA and ectomycorrhizal fungi were found together in the same root systems and apices.
- A temporal succession was observed: VA mycorrhizas were followed by ectomycorrhizas.
- Ectomycorrhizal fungi successfully infected pre-existing VA mycorrhizas, but ectomycorrhizal sheaths inhibited further VA colonization.
Conclusions:
- The observed succession is attributed to differences in colonization speed and spread mechanisms.
- Ectomycorrhizal fungi can inhibit subsequent VA mycorrhizal infections, suggesting competitive interactions.
- Constant overall mycorrhizal root proportion indicates potential competition for limited resources between fungal types.
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