Mycorrhizal associations change root functionality: a 3D modelling study on competitive interactions between plants for light and nutrients.

ABSTRACT: Recent studies show that the variation in root functional traits can be explained by a two-dimensional trait framework, containing a 'collaboration' axis in addition to the classical fast-slow 'conservation' axis. This collaboration axis spans from thin and highly branched roots that employ a 'do-it-yourself' strategy to thick and sparsely branched roots that 'outsource' nutrient uptake to symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Here, we explore the functionality of this collaboration axis by quantifying how interactions with AMF change the impact of root traits on plant performance. To this end, we developed a novel functional-structural plant (FSP) modelling approach that simulates plants competing for light and nutrients in the presence or absence of AMF. Our simulation results su

SUBMITTER: de Vries J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8361744 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature