Abstract Detail

Ecological Consequences and Mechanisms of Fungal-Fungal Interactions

Kennedy, Peter G. [1], Nguyen, Nhu [1], Cohen, Hannah [2].

Missing checkerboards: an absence of competitive signal in Alnus-associated ectomycorrhizal fungal assemblages.

A growing number of studies suggest that interspecific competition can play a significant role in structuring communities of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi.  One way to look for evidence of interspecific competition is to assess patterns of species co-occurrence.  We applied this technique to better understand the ecological factors affecting ECM fungal communities present in Alnus rubra forests.  Using mesh in-growth bags and next generation sequencing techniques, we identified 27 ECM fungal taxa at two research plots located in western Oregon, USA.  Contrary to all previous studies of ECM fungal communities, we found no evidence of species co-occurrence patterns consistent with interspecific competition.  Surprisingly, we also did not find evidence supporting the presence of positive interactions, which are predicted to be more common in stressful environmental conditions, such as those present in Alnus soils.  Taken together, these results suggest that species interactions may play a less prevalent role in community dynamics than previously assumed.

1 - University of Minnesota , Plant Biology, 1445 Gortner Ave., 250 Biological Science Center, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States
2 - Lewis & Clark College, Dpeartment of Biology, 06519 SW Palatine Hill Rd., Portland, OR, 97219

Keywords:
Competition.

Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: SY4
Location: Auditorium/Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
Date: Tuesday, June 10th, 2014
Time: 2:00 PM
Number: SY4003
Abstract ID:183
Candidate for Awards:None