Leaf Fungal Endophyte Differs Among Plant Functional Groups in an Alpine Meadow

Area of Science:

• Plant Ecology
• Microbial Ecology
• Fungal Communities

Background:

• Leaf fungal endophytes (LFEs) communities vary across plant species, but differences among plant functional groups are less understood.
• Host plant abundance and leaf functional traits influence LFE composition and structure at the species level.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate LFE community differences across four plant functional groups (grasses, legumes, dicot forbs, monocot forbs) in an alpine meadow.
• To analyze LFE community variations in relation to plant abundance and leaf functional traits.

Main Methods:

• High-throughput sequencing of LFE communities across 45 plant species.
• Categorization of plant species into functional groups.
• Statistical analysis of LFE community structure, plant abundance, and leaf functional traits.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in LFE communities were observed among plant functional groups.
• Dicot forbs exhibited higher LFE richness than other groups; Ascomycota was the dominant phylum.
• Symbiotic lifestyle-associated OTUs were more abundant in legumes; leaf mass per area was the primary determinant of LFE variation.

Conclusions:

• Plant functional groups support unique LFE communities, correlated with specific functional demands.
• Leaf functional traits, particularly leaf mass per area, and species abundance significantly shape LFE communities.
• LFEs may play a role in shaping alpine plant community structure and dynamics.