Exo- and endophytic fungi enable rapid transfer of nutrients from ant waste to orchid tissue.

ABSTRACT: The epiphytic orchid Caularthron bilamellatum sacrifices its water storage tissue for nutrients from the waste of ants lodging inside its hollow pseudobulb. Here, we investigate whether fungi are involved in the rapid translocation of nutrients. Uptake was analysed with a ¹⁵ N labelling experiment, subsequent isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS and NanoSIMS). We encountered two hyphae types: a thick melanized type assigned to 'black fungi' (Chaetothyriales, Cladosporiales, and Mycosphaerellales) in ant waste, and a thin endophytic type belonging to Hypocreales. In few cell layers, both hyphae types co-occurred. ¹⁵ N accumulation in both hyphae types was conspicuous, while for translocation to the vessels only Hypocreale

SUBMITTER: Gegenbauer C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10962571 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature