Architecture, ecology, and function of mycorrhizal networks

菌根网络，菌根真菌的菌丝连接两个或多个不同的植物根系，已被证明在相邻植物之间转移水，营养和碳。13年前，我和我的同事们发现，外生菌根（ECM）真菌网络促进了碳化合物从纸桦树到大田道格拉斯冷杉幼苗的净转移（1,2）。随后，我们发现菌根网络（MN）可以连接至少47棵树，并且可以提高幼苗的存活率（3,4）。最近，其他研究人员发现MNs可以促进两种或更多植物之间的化学信号传导(5)。例如，受感染的植物可能能够通过MN转移的化合物检测到邻近植物的致病性感染。这些发现改变了我们对植物如何相互作用的理解。不幸的是，我们对化合物如何以及为什么在网络中传播以及林业实践如何影响菌根网络知之甚少。我的项目的长期目标是了解MNs的结构和功能。具体而言，我们将确定：1)MN的弹性，2)驱动两种MN形成物种实现生态位的因素，以及3)影响MN内无机氮和有机氮流动的因素。我的五年课程包括2个理学硕士。在读博士3人，博士后1人，本科生14人。我的课程在现场和实验室设置中使用多种方法（例如，分子，生理和生化）来解决这些问题。这项工作将使林农能够更好地了解他们的管理实践如何影响地下系统，从而作出适当的管理决策。1. Simard SW et al. 1997。自然科学。388:579-582。2. 司马德SW， Durall DM. 2004。植物学报。32(2):1140-1165。3. Beiler， KJ， Durall等。2009。植物学报。185:543-553。4. Teste FP等人，2009。生态学报。90:2808-2822。5. 宋云云，曾瑞生，等。2010。PLoS ONE 5: e13324。

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.