Genotype-specific effects of ericoid mycorrhizae on floral traits and reproduction in Vaccinium corymbosum.

ABSTRACT:

Premise

Most plants interact with mycorrhizal fungi and animal pollinators simultaneously. Yet, whether mycorrhizae affect traits important to pollination remains poorly understood and may depend on the match between host and fungal genotypes. Here, we examined how ericoid mycorrhizal fungi affected flowering phenology, floral traits, and reproductive success, among eight genotypes of highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum (Ericaceae). We asked three overarching questions: (1) Do genotypes differ in response to inoculation? (2) How does inoculation affect floral and flowering traits? (3) Are inoculated plants more attractive to pollinators and less pollen limited than non-inoculated plants of the same genotype?

Methods

To examine these questions, we experimentally inoculat

SUBMITTER: Brody AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6899715 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature