Architecture, ecology, and function of mycorrhizal networks

菌根网络是连接两个或多个不同植物根系的菌根真菌菌丝，已被证明在相邻植物之间转移水分、养分和碳。13年前，我和我的同事们证明，外生菌根真菌网络(ECM)促进了碳化合物从白桦树到田间豆杉幼苗的净转移(1，2)。随后，我们发现一个菌根网络(MN)可以连接至少47棵树，并且它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递(5)。例如，受感染的植物可能能够通过通过MN转移的化合物检测到邻近植物的病原性感染。这些发现改变了我们对植物相互作用的理解。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。我这个项目的长期目标是了解MNS的结构和功能。具体地说，我们将确定：1)MNS的弹性，2)驱动两个MN形成物种实现生态位的因素，以及3)影响MNS内无机和有机氮流动的因素。我的五年计划将包括两个硕士学位。学生，3名博士生，1名博士后和14名本科生。我的项目在现场和实验室环境中使用了多种方法(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做法如何影响地下系统，从而做出适当的管理决策。1.Simard Sw et al.1997年。大自然。388：579-582。2.Simard SW，Durall DM。2004年。加拿大植物学杂志。82：1140-1165。3.Beler，KJ，Durall等人。2009年。新植物学家。185：543-553。4.测试FP等人。2009年。生态学。90：2808-2822。5.宋玉云，曾瑞生，等。.2010年。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.