EAPSI: Biogeography of Invasive Tree Islands and their Ectomycorrhizal Mutualists

入侵物种是全球关注的问题，在世界范围内造成巨大的环境和经济损失，国际伙伴关系对于研究和有效管理入侵者至关重要。菌根是植物根和真菌之间普遍存在的共生关系，对两种生物都是有利的。菌根真菌在确定入侵物种的潜在范围方面可能是至关重要的。菌根的地理分布模式虽然鲜为人知，但在确定入侵成功的机制方面可能很重要。樟子松是一种主要的菌根和重要的经济用材作物，原产于北美西部，是南半球大部分地区的重要入侵物种。该项目将对北美西部原生和新西兰入侵范围进行平行分析，以深入了解入侵寄主松树及其真菌互惠体的起源、扩散和分布模式。这项研究将与林肯大学著名入侵生态学专家Ian Dickie博士及其合作伙伴生物保护研究中心合作进行，这两个中心在新西兰？S入侵管理项目的研究和实施中具有影响力。缺乏相容的菌根被认为是南半球大部分地区的一种主要的外生菌根(ECM)入侵的实质性障碍。与松树相关的ECM群落的扩散和分布格局可能对确定这种入侵者的潜在范围很重要，并可以用岛屿生物地理学理论进行预测。研究目标是(1)比较北美西部原生和新西兰入侵范围内与小叶松相关的ECM群落；(2)确定岛屿生物地理学理论是否能够描述ECM的扩散和分布模式；(3)确定构成这些ECM群落的时空和环境梯度；以及(4)预测未来植物入侵的后果。该奖项由东亚和太平洋夏季学院计划资助一名美国研究生的夏季研究，由NSF和新西兰皇家学会共同资助。

Invasive species are a global concern, causing substantial environmental and economic losses worldwide, and international partnerships are critical for the research and effective management of invaders. Mycorrhizae are a ubiquitous symbiotic relationship between plant roots and fungus that is mutually beneficial to both organisms. Mycorrhizal fungi are likely critical in determining the potential range of an invasive species. The geographic distribution patterns of mycorrhizae, while poorly understood, could be important in determining the mechanisms of invasive success. Lodgepole pine, an obligately mycorrhizal and economically important timber crop, is native to western North America and a significant invasive species in much of the southern hemisphere. This project will implement parallel analyses between the western North America native and New Zealand invaded ranges to provide insight into the origin, dispersal, and distribution patterns of invasive lodgepole pines and their fungal mutualists. This research will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Ian Dickie, a noted expert in invasion ecology, at Lincoln University and its partner the Bio-Protection Research Center, which have been influential in the research and implementation of New Zealand?s invasion management programs. The absence of compatible mycorrhizae is thought to be a substantial barrier to invasion for lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), an obligately ectomycorrhizal (ECM) invasive in much of the southern hemisphere. The dispersal and distribution patterns of lodgepole pine-associated ECM communities are likely important in determining the potential range of this invader, and may be predicted by Island Biogeography Theory. The research objectives are to (1) compare ECM communities associated with lodgepole pine in the western North America native and New Zealand invaded ranges; (2) determine whether Island Biogeography Theory can describe ECM dispersal and distribution patterns; (3) determine the spatiotemporal and environmental gradients structuring these ECM communities; and (4) predict the consequences for future plant invasions.This award under the East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes program supports summer research by a U.S. graduate student and is jointly funded by NSF and the Royal Society of New Zealand.