Back to Search Start Over

From mycoheterotrophy to mutualism: mycorrhizal specificity and functioning in Ophioglossum vulgatum sporophytes.

From mycoheterotrophy to mutualism: mycorrhizal specificity and functioning in Ophioglossum vulgatum sporophytes.

Authors :
Field, Katie J.
Leake, Jonathan R.
Tille, Stefanie
Allinson, Kate E.
Rimington, William R.
Bidartondo, Martin I.
Beerling, David J.
Cameron, Duncan D.
Source :
New Phytologist; Mar2015, Vol. 205 Issue 4, p1492-1502, 11p
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

Mycorrhizal functioning in the fern Ophioglossum is complex and poorly understood. It is unknown whether mature O. vulgatum sporophytes form mutualistic associations with fungi of the Glomeromycota and with what specificity. Are green sporophytes able to 'repay' fungal carbon (C) invested in them by mycorrhizal partners during the initially heterotrophic gametophyte and early sporophyte stages of the lifecycle?, We identified fungal partners of O. vulgatum sporophytes using molecular techniques and supplied them with <superscript>33</superscript>P-orthophosphate and O. vulgatum sporophytes with <superscript>14</superscript> CO<subscript>2</subscript>. We traced the movement of fungal-acquired nutrients and plant-fixed C between symbionts and analysed natural abundance <superscript>13</superscript>C and <superscript>15</superscript>N isotope signatures to assess nutritional interactions., We found fungal specificity of O. vulgatum sporophytes towards a mycorrhizal fungus closely related to Glomus macrocarpum. Our radioisotope tracers revealed reciprocal C-for-phosphorus exchange between fern sporophytes and fungal partners, despite competition from surrounding vegetation. Monocultures of O. vulgatum were enriched in <superscript>13</superscript>C and <superscript>15</superscript>N, providing inconclusive evidence of mycoheterotrophy when experiencing competition from the surrounding plant community., We show mutualistic and specific symbiosis between a eusporangiate fern and fungi of the Glomeromycota. Our findings suggest a 'take now, pay later' strategy of mycorrhizal functioning through the lifecycle O. vulgatum, from mycoheterotrophic gametophyte to mutualistic aboveground sporophyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0028646X
Volume :
205
Issue :
4
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
New Phytologist
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
100766218
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.13263