Architecture, ecology, and function of mycorrhizal networks

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Mycorrhizal networks, hyphae of mycorrhizal fungi connecting two or more different plant root systems, have been shown to transfer water, nutrients and carbon between adjacent plants. Thirteen years ago my colleagues and I showed that net-transfer of carbon compounds from paper birch to Douglas-fir seedlings in the field is facilitated by ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal networks (1, 2). Subsequently, we found that a mycorrhizal network (MN) can link at least 47 trees and that it can increase survival of seedlings (3,4). Most recently, other researchers found that the MNs can facilitate chemical signaling between two or more plants (5). For example, an infected plant may be able to detect a pathogenic infection of a neighboring plant through compounds transferred through the MN. These findings change our understanding of how plants interact with each other. Unfortunately, we know very little about how and why compounds travel within the network and how forestry practices affect mycorrhizal networks. The long-term objective of my program is to understand the structure and function of MNs. Specifically, we will determine: 1) the resilience of MNs, 2) the factors driving the realized niche of two MN forming species, and 3) factors affecting the flow of inorganic and organic nitrogen within MNs. My five-year program will involve 2 MSc. students, 3 Ph.D. students, one Post-doc and 14 undergraduate students. My program uses a diversity of approaches (e.g., molecular, physiological and biochemical) in both field and laboratory settings to address the questions. This work will allow foresters to make proper management decisions by providing them with a better understanding on how their management practices affect belowground systems. 1. Simard SW et al. 1997. Nature. 388: 579-582. 2. Simard SW, Durall DM. 2004. Canadian Journal of Botany. 82: 1140-1165. 3. Beiler, KJ, Durall, et al. 2009. New Phytologist. 185: 543-553. 4. Teste FP et al. 2009. Ecology. 90: 2808-2822. 5. Song YY, Zeng RS, et al. .2010. PLoS ONE 5: e13324.