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Updated: Nov 8, 2025

Investigation of Plant Interactions Across Common Mycorrhizal Networks Using Rotated Cores
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WATER RELATIONS OF XERIC GRASSES IN THE FIELD: INTERACTIONS OF MYCORRHIZAS AND COMPETITION.

E B Allen1,2, M F Allen1,2

  • 1Department of Range Science and Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5230.

The New Phytologist
|April 20, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improved water relations in Agropyron smithii under drought stress, mitigating competition effects. However, impacts on nutrient uptake and phenology were minimal, suggesting subtle field effects.

Keywords:
Agropyroncompetitionnutrientvesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungiwater relations

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Area of Science:

  • Plant Ecology
  • Mycology
  • Plant Physiology

Background:

  • Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, influencing nutrient uptake and stress tolerance.
  • Competition from other plant species can significantly impact plant water relations and overall health.
  • Agropyron species are important components of grassland ecosystems, and understanding their interactions with VAM fungi and competitors is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of VAM inoculation and interspecific competition on the water relations of two Agropyron grass species.
  • To determine if VAM fungi can alleviate the negative impacts of competition on plant water status.
  • To assess the influence of VAM and competition on nutrient concentrations and phenology of the grasses.

Main Methods:

  • Controlled greenhouse experiment with Agropyron smithii and Agropyron dasystachyum grown in inoculum-poor soil.
  • Inoculation with VAM fungi and introduction of non-mycorrhizal annual plants to simulate competition.
  • Measurement of stomatal resistance (rs) and leaf water potential to assess water relations.
  • Analysis of plant tissue for Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) concentrations and observation of phenological development.

Main Results:

  • Mycorrhizal Agropyron smithii exhibited decreased stomatal resistance and increased leaf water potential during dry periods, but only when not competing with annuals.
  • Competition from annuals increased stomatal resistance in non-mycorrhizal A. smithii, an effect mitigated by mycorrhizal inoculation.
  • Neither VAM inoculation nor competition significantly altered the water relations of Agropyron dasystachyum.
  • VAM inoculation did not enhance N or P concentrations or cover for either species, but delayed phenology in both.

Conclusions:

  • VAM fungi can improve water relations and alleviate competition stress in Agropyron smithii, particularly under drought conditions.
  • The benefits of VAM fungi on water relations may be species-specific and influenced by environmental conditions, such as rainfall.
  • Observed subtle effects during a wet year highlight the need for long-term field studies to ascertain the ecological significance of VAM in these grasses.