Beyond seedlings: Ectomycorrhizal fungal networks and growth of mature Pseudotsuga menziesii. (12th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Birch, Joseph D.; Simard, Suzanne W.; Beiler, Kevin J.; Karst, Justine
• Editors: Gilliam, Frank
• Is Part Of: Journal of ecology. Volume 109:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 806
• Page End: 818
• Publication Date: 2020-10-12
• Subjects: dendroecology -- fungal genets -- interior Douglas‐fir -- multi‐model inference -- Rhizopogon vesiculosus -- Rhizopogon vinicolor; Plant ecology -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1111/1365-2745.13507
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0477

Abstract

Abstract: Mycorrhizal networks are conduits for the transfer of resources between hosts. While ectomycorrhizal networks (EMN) are known to influence seedlings, their effect on adult tree growth remains unknown and may have important implications for forest responses to future climates. We used annual basal area increment of trees and previously described Rhizopogon vesiculosus and Rhizopogon vinicolor EMNs to examine an association between the number of connections between trees through an EMN and the growth of adult interior Douglas‐fir. We compared this relationship for the year the networks were mapped, in 2008, with 8 years previous and 8 years afterward. We also compared the variation in standardized growth (2000–2016) to examine the association between growth variability and EMN variables. Greater growth was positively associated with (a) the number of connections to other trees via a R. vinicolor EMN and (b) the number of genets of Rhizopogon vesiculosis by which a tree was colonized. Variation of growth (2000–2016) was negatively associated with increasing number of connections to other trees via R. vinicolor . Synthesis . These findings, for the first time, indicate that EMNs may positively influence the growth of adult trees. The difference in tree growth response between the sister fungal species highlights a novel avenue to identify interspecific and intraspecific differences between fungi occurring at different depths in the soil. Our study has important implications when considering the role of EMNs in influencing forest health and mitigating stress from environmental conditions. Abstract : We found that mature tree growth was positively associated with (a) the number of connections to other trees via a Rhizopogon vinicolor ectomycorrhizal network, and (b) the number of genets of Rhizopogon vesiculosis by which a tree was colonized. These findings indicate that ectomycorrhizal networks may positively influence the growth of adult trees.