Experimental test for a rapid shift to parasitism in the plant-mycorrhizae mutualism during allelopathic species invasion (original) (raw)

Abstract

Background/Question/Methods Mutualisms are widespread in nature but the strength of these interactions can vary with environmental conditions. Under certain circumstances, mutualisms can erode into parasitism as conflict arises between the two species. In the plant-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) mutualism, AMF external hyphae provide plants with nutrients/water, and plants supply AMF with carbon. This mutualism is critical for many plants; ~70% of forest understory species are obligately dependent on AMF. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) produces allelochemicals that are toxic to the nutrient-providing AMF external hyphae, yet can leave the carbon-absorbing AMF arbuscules intact, potentially setting up a conflict. Thus, the recent invasion of forests by garlic mustard may be altering conditions that favor this widespread mutualism. Because AMF external hyphae of forest plants should die upon exposure to garlic mustard allelochemicals, we hypothesized that reduced soil respira...

Steve Tonsor hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let Steve know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.