Cluster root-bearing Proteaceae species show a competitive advantage over non-cluster root-bearing species.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Cluster roots (CRs) constitute a special root adaptation that enables plants to take up nutrients, especially phosphorus (P), from soils with low nutrient availability, including recent volcanic deposits. It is unclear, however, how CR species interact with non-cluster root-bearing (NCR) species, and how substrates' fertility modulates potential interactions.

Methods

We experimentally assessed the net interaction between CR and NCR species using two substrates of contrasting fertility: nutrient-rich nursery mix and tephra (low P availability). We planted seedlings of two southern South American (SSA) Proteaceae, CR species and two NCR Nothofagus species in pairs (conspecifics and heterospecifics) and as singles. We analysed the effect of seedling neighbou

SUBMITTER: Fajardo A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7145645 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature