Structure and function of mycorrhizal networks in North American forests

我的团队研究计划的总体目标是探索北美森林中菌根网络的结构和功能。菌根是真菌和植物根系之间的互惠共生关系。外生菌根（ECM）形成于许多经济上重要的林木上，包括松树科的成员，而杜鹃花科菌根（ERM）发现于植物科杜鹃花科的成员上（例如，huckleberry）。当两种或两种以上植物的根与同一真菌菌丝体结合时，就会形成菌根网络。与MN的联系可以提高新建立的幼苗的存活率和生产力，从而增加森林的复原力。大多数菌根网络的研究都集中在ECM或丛枝菌根网络，而很少有人知道ERM网络。我的计划的短期目标是确定：1）由两个网络形成ECM真菌物种形成的基因型的平均寿命; 2）ERM是否形成广泛的和潜在的功能网络;和3）ERM真菌在不同环境条件下分解土壤有机碳和再循环养分的能力。对于目标1，我的团队将在三年的时间内从第一年采样的样本中确定基因型。为了获得长期营业额的概念，我们将比较前三年确定的基因型与5-12年前收集的基因型。如果网络持续多年，这表明网络的好处可以从一年到下一年复合。对于目标2，我的团队将收集与轶事观察有关的数据，

The overall objective of my team’s research program is to explore the structure and function of mycorrhizal networks in North American forests. A mycorrhiza is a mutualistic symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots. Ectomycorrhizas (ECM) are formed on many economically important forest trees including members of the pine family, whereas ericoid mycorrhizas (ERM) are found on members of the plant family Ericaceae (eg., huckleberry). A mycorrhizal network (MN) occurs when roots of two or more plants associate with the same fungal mycelium. Linkage into an MN can improve the survival and productivity of newly established seedlings, which adds to the resilience of forests. Most mycorrhizal network studies have focussed on ECM or arbuscular mycorrhizal networks, whereas little is known about ERM networks. The short-term objectives of my program are to determine: 1) the average life-span of genotypes formed by two network-forming ECM fungal species; 2) whether ERM form extensive and potentially functional networks; and 3) the ability of ERM fungi to break down soil organic carbon and recycle nutrients under varying environmental conditions. For Objective 1, my team will identify genotypes over a three-year period from samples taken within metres of those sampled in the first year. To obtain an idea of longer-term turnover, we will compare genotypes identified in the first three years with those collected 5-12 years ago. If networks last for multiple years, this suggests that benefits of the network could compound from one year to the next. For Objective 2, my team will collect data relating to anecdotal observations that