Resilience of Phialocephala fortinii s.l. – Acephala applanata communities – Effects of disturbance and strain introduction. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stroheker, Sophie; Dubach, Vivanne; Queloz, Valentin; Sieber, Thomas N.
• Is Part Of: Fungal ecology. Volume 31(2018)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: PAC -- Root endophytes -- Norway spruce -- Transmission -- Root contact -- Community ecology -- Disturbance -- Clear-cutting -- Drought; Fungi -- Ecology -- Periodicals; Mycology -- Periodicals; 579.517
• DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2017.10.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1754-5048

Abstract

Abstract: Members of the Phialocephala fortinii s.l. – Acephala applanata species complex (PAC) are ubiquitous endophytes forming complex communities in roots of conifers and ericaceous shrubs across the Northern hemisphere. Two kinds of disturbances (clear-cutting and drought) and their effects on the resident PAC community, as well as on the introduction of alien strain 7_45_5, were investigated using mesocosms with natural Norway spruce ( Picea abies ) regeneration, both under controlled climate chamber conditions and natural conditions in the forest. This is the first record of successful strain introduction into a well-established forest ecosystem. Introduction was more successful when planting inoculated living spruce saplings, compared to inoculation using autoclaved colonized roots. 7_45_5 was less assertive in the forest, where Phialocephala subalpina clearly dominated. Clear-cutting favored A. applanata and simultaneously reduced the overall frequency of PAC. Drought only had a significant influence on 7_45_5, which was more abundant in dry than moist, non-clear-cut plots. To conclude, disturbances and arrival of foreign strains can alter resident PAC communities significantly.