Architecture, ecology, and function of mycorrhizal networks

菌根网络是由菌根真菌的菌丝连接两个或多个不同的植物根系，在相邻植物之间传递水分、养分和碳。 13年前，我和我的同事发现，碳化合物从纸桦到花旗松幼苗的净转移是由外生菌根（ECM）真菌网络促进的（1，2）。 随后，我们发现，菌根网络（MN）可以连接至少47棵树，它可以增加幼苗的存活率（3，4）。 最近，其他研究人员发现，MN可以促进两种或多种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经由MN转移的化合物检测邻近植物的病原性感染。 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。 我的计划的长期目标是了解MN的结构和功能。 具体而言，我们将确定：1）MN的弹性，2）驱动两个MN形成物种的实现生态位的因素，以及3）影响MN内无机和有机氮流动的因素。 我的五年计划将涉及2个硕士学位。学生，3名博士学生，一个博士后和14名本科生。 我的程序使用多种方法（例如，分子、生理和生物化学）来解决这些问题。 这项工作将使林业工作者更好地了解他们的管理做法如何影响地下系统，从而作出适当的管理决定。 1. Simard SW et al. 1997.自然388：579-582。 2. Simard软件，Durall DM。2004.加拿大植物学杂志。82：1140-1165。 3. Beiler，KJ，Durall，et al. 2009.新植物学家185：543-553。 4. Teste FP et al. 2009.生态90：2808-2822。 5. Song YY，Zeng RS，et al. 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.