Diversity of Ericoid Mycorrhizal Fungi and its Significance in Plant Nitrogen Acquisition in the Arctic

生物多样性及其功能是生态学研究的热点，植物多样性与生态系统功能的关系一直是人们研究的热点。相反，很少有研究涉及菌根真菌及其多样性的作用，即使它们被认为是植物养分吸收和养分保持的关键。这项资助主要关注北极地区杜鹃花科矮灌木根部共生真菌对氮的差异利用。研究人员将讨论不同真菌在植物获得有机和无机氮源能力中的作用。杜鹃花菌根（ERM）共生可能是关键的丰富杜鹃花灌木在北极生态系统中的真菌共生体可能利用有机N源，从而促进植物有机N的吸收。了解ERM多样性及其功能是了解北极和北方生态系统过程的必要基础。这方面的知识是特别重要的北极生态系统中的无机氮供应低，植物氮的限制是强大的。

Jumpponen0221489Biological diversity and its function are focal areas in ecology, and the relationship between plant diversity and ecosystem function has been intensively studied. By contrast, few studies have addressed the role of mycorrhizal fungi and their diversity even though they are presumed to be critical in plant nutrient uptake and nutrient retention. This grant focuses attention on differential nitrogen (N) use among symbiotic fungi in the roots of ericaceous dwarf shrubs in the arctic. The researchers will address the role of diverse fungi in plants ability to access organic and inorganic N sources. Ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) symbiosis may be the key to the abundance of ericaceous shrubs in arctic ecosystems as their fungal symbionts likely utilize organic N sources thus facilitating plant organic N uptake. Knowledge of ERM diversity and its function is a necessary foundation for understanding arctic and boreal ecosystem processes. This knowledge is especially crucial in arctic ecosystems where supply of inorganic N is low and plant N limitation is strong.