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Title: Phylogenetically structured traits in root systems influence arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization in woody angiosperms

Journal Article · · Plant and Soil
 [1];  [1];  [2];  [1]
  1. Kent State Univ., Kent, OH (United States)
  2. Kent State Univ., Kent, OH (United States); The Holden Arboretum, Kirtland, OH (United States)

In this study, there is little quantitative information about the relationship between root traits and the extent of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization. We expected that ancestral species with thick roots will maximize AMF habitat by maintaining similar root traits across root orders (i.e., high root trait integration), whereas more derived species are expected to display a sharp transition from acquisition to structural roots. Moreover, we hypothesized that interspecific morphological differences rather than soil conditions will be the main driver of AMF colonization We analyzed 14 root morphological and chemical traits and AMF colonization rates for the first three root orders of 34 temperate tree species grown in two common gardens. We also collected associated soil to measure the effect of soil conditions on AMF colonization Results Thick-root magnoliids showed less variation in root traits along root orders than more-derived angiosperm groups. Variation in stele:root diameter ratio was the best indicator of AMF colonization within and across root orders. Root functional traits rather than soil conditions largely explained the variation in AMF colonization among species. In conclusion, not only the traits of first order but the entire structuring of the root system varied among plant lineages, suggesting alternative evolutionary strategies of resource acquisition. Understanding evolutionary pathways in below ground organs could open new avenues to understand tree species influence on soil carbon and nutrient cycling.

Research Organization:
Kent State Univ., Kent, OH (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0004335
OSTI ID:
1247638
Journal Information:
Plant and Soil, Journal Name: Plant and Soil; ISSN 0032-079X
Publisher:
SpringerCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 58 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Cited By (11)

Root nutrient concentration and biomass allocation are more plastic than morphological traits in response to nutrient limitation journal March 2017
Multiple phosphorus acquisition strategies adopted by fine roots in low-fertility soils in Central Amazonia journal February 2019
Effects of plant species and soil history on root morphology, arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of roots, and biomass in four tallgrass prairie species journal December 2019
Nonlinearity of root trait relationships and the root economics spectrum journal May 2019
Climate, soil and plant functional types as drivers of global fine-root trait variation journal April 2017
Multi-dimensional patterns of variation in root traits among coexisting herbaceous species in temperate steppes journal April 2018
Nitrogen fixation and foliar nitrogen do not predict phosphorus acquisition strategies in tropical trees journal August 2018
Community‐level economics spectrum of fine‐roots driven by nutrient limitations in subalpine forests journal November 2018
Towards a multidimensional root trait framework: a tree root review journal May 2016
A worldview of root traits: the influence of ancestry, growth form, climate and mycorrhizal association on the functional trait variation of fine-root tissues in seed plants journal April 2017
The fungal collaboration gradient dominates the root economics space in plants journal July 2020