Testing a Unified Hypothesis of Mycorrhizal Function

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The primary goal of this research program is to identify principles that will help predict how arbuscular mycorrhizae function in natural and human-managed ecosystems. Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) are composed of widespread beneficial interactions between plant roots and specialized fungi. The availability of nutrients and light, patterns of resource allocation to fungal structures, and evolutionary history may all be important factors controlling the beneficial effects of these organisms. The research proposed here will test the importance of each of these three factors, and use the results to develop a unified hypothesis of mycorrhizal function. Mycorrhizal structure and how it relates to their beneficial functions will be studied at three grassland sites that differ in soil nutrient characteristics ( Konza Prairie, Kansas; Cedar Creek, Minnesota; Fermilab Department of Energy (DOE) site, Illinois). The effects of soil nutrient concentrations and of light availability on how mycorrhizae allocate resources to different structures and functions will be assessed in field and greenhouse studies. The proposed research will work towards linking field-based measurements of AM structure with their mutualistic function. There are several broader impacts of this study. It will forge partnerships among several institutions, including an international collaboration. Northern Arizona University is uniquely positioned to train Native American and Hispanic students by involving them directly in research and in student-initiated projects.