The root‐associated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal assemblages of exotic alien plants are simplified in invaded distribution ranges, but dominant species are retained: A trans‐continental perspective. Issue 5 (4th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Řezáčová, Veronika; Michalová, Tereza; Řezáč, Milan; Gryndler, Milan; Duell, Eric B.; Wilson, Gail W. T.; Heneberg, Petr
• Is Part Of: Environmental microbiology reports. Volume 14:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 732
• Page End: 741
• Publication Date: 2022-08-04
• Subjects: Microbial ecology -- Periodicals; Environmental Microbiology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 579.17
• DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13108
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-2229

Abstract

Abstract: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provide crucial support for the establishment of plants in novel environments. We hypothesized that the OTU/genus richness and diversity of soil‐ and root‐associated AMF associated with alien plant species in their exotic ranges are lower than those in their native ranges. We examined the root‐associated and soil‐dwelling AMF of 11 invasive plant species in their native and exotic ranges in the United States and Europe by DNA sequencing of the ITS2 locus. Examined root‐associated AMF assemblages were simplified, which manifested as the loss of several AMF genera in the exotic ranges of the plants. These fungal assemblages were also characterized by greater dominance and simplification of the fungal assemblages. The dominant fungal genera were present regardless of whether their host plants were in their native or exotic ranges. Interestingly, both the native and invaded soils hosted diverse local AMF assemblages. Therefore, alien plant invasions were not limited to soils with low AMF diversity. Some AMF taxa could be context‐dependent passengers rather than drivers of alien plant invasions. Further studies should identify functions of AMF missing or less abundant in roots of plants growing in exotic ranges.