Effect of different root endophytic fungi on plant community structure in experimental microcosms.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the effects of root-associated microbes in explaining plant community patterns represents a challenge in community ecology. Although typically overlooked, several lines of evidence point out that nonmycorrhizal, root endophytic fungi in the Ascomycota may have the potential to drive changes in plant community ecology given their ubiquitous presence, wide host ranges, and plant species-specific fitness effects. Thus, we experimentally manipulated the presence of root endophytic fungal species in microcosms and measured its effects on plant communities. Specifically, we tested whether (1) three different root endophyte species can modify plant community structure; (2) those changes can also modified the way plant respond to different soil types; and (3) the effects are modified

SUBMITTER: Aguilar-Trigueros CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5108266 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature