Diversity of Ericoid Mycorrhizal Fungi and its Significance in Plant Nitrogen Acquisition in the Arctic

生物多样性及其功能是生态学研究的热点，植物多样性与生态系统功能之间的关系一直是人们关注的热点。相比之下，很少有研究涉及菌根真菌及其多样性的作用，尽管它们被认为是植物营养吸收和营养保留的关键。这项资助的重点是研究北极地区白垩矮灌木根系中共生真菌的差异氮(N)利用。研究人员将解决不同真菌在植物获取有机和无机氮源的能力中的作用。埃里卡菌根（ERM）共生可能是北极生态系统中埃里卡灌木丰度的关键，因为它们的真菌共生体可能利用有机氮源，从而促进植物对有机氮的吸收。了解生态多样性及其功能是了解北极和北方生态系统过程的必要基础。这一知识在北极生态系统中尤其重要，因为那里无机氮的供应很低，植物氮的限制很强。

Jumpponen0221489Biological diversity and its function are focal areas in ecology, and the relationship between plant diversity and ecosystem function has been intensively studied. By contrast, few studies have addressed the role of mycorrhizal fungi and their diversity even though they are presumed to be critical in plant nutrient uptake and nutrient retention. This grant focuses attention on differential nitrogen (N) use among symbiotic fungi in the roots of ericaceous dwarf shrubs in the arctic. The researchers will address the role of diverse fungi in plants ability to access organic and inorganic N sources. Ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) symbiosis may be the key to the abundance of ericaceous shrubs in arctic ecosystems as their fungal symbionts likely utilize organic N sources thus facilitating plant organic N uptake. Knowledge of ERM diversity and its function is a necessary foundation for understanding arctic and boreal ecosystem processes. This knowledge is especially crucial in arctic ecosystems where supply of inorganic N is low and plant N limitation is strong.