Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community composition determines the competitive response of two grassland forbs.

ABSTRACT: We performed a greenhouse experiment to assess how differences in AM fungal community composition affect competitive response of grassland plant species. We used a full factorial design to determine how inoculation with natural AM fungal communities from different habitats in Western Estonia affects the growth response of two grassland forbs (Leontodon hispidus L., Plantago lanceolata L.) to competition with a dominant grass (Festuca rubra L.). We used AM fungal inocula that were known to differ in AM fungal diversity and composition: more diverse AM fungal communities from open grasslands and less diverse AM fungal communities from former grassland densely overgrown by pines (young pine forest). The presence of AM fungi balanced competition between forb and grass species, by enhancing com

SUBMITTER: Neuenkamp L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6620016 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature