Host identity and phylogeny shape the foliar endophytic fungal assemblages of Ficus.

ABSTRACT: Foliar endophytic fungi (FEF) are diverse and ubiquitously associated with photosynthetic land plants. However, processes shaping FEF assemblages remain poorly understood. Previous studies have indicated that host identity and host habitat are contributing factors, but these factors are often difficult to disentangle. In this study, we studied FEF assemblages from plants grown in a botanical garden, enabling us to minimize the variation in abiotic environmental conditions and fungal dispersal capacity. FEF assemblages from 46 Ficus species were sequenced using next-generation methods, and the results indicated that closely related host species had clearly differentiated FEF assemblages. Furthermore, host phylogenetic proximity was significantly correlated with the similarity of thei

SUBMITTER: Liu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6787831 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature