Native and Alien Antarctic Grasses as a Habitat for Fungi.

ABSTRACT: Biological invasions are now seen as one of the main threats to the Antarctic ecosystem. An example of such an invasion is the recent colonization of the H. Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station area by the non-native grass Poa annua. This site was previously occupied only by native plants like the Antarctic hair grass Deschampsia antarctica. To adapt successfully to new conditions, plants interact with soil microorganisms, including fungi. The aim of this study was to determine how the newly introduced grass P. annua established an interaction with fungi compared to resident grass D. antarctica. We found that fungal diversity in D. antarctica roots was significantly higher compared with P. annua roots. D. antarctica managed a biodiverse

SUBMITTER: Pilsyk S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11313430 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature