Elevation and plant species identity jointly shape a diverse arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community in the High Arctic

Abstract

Knowledge about the distribution and local diversity patterns of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are limited for extreme environments such as the Arctic, where most studies have focused on spore morphology or root colonization. We here studied the joint effects of plant species identity and elevation on AM fungal distribution and diversity.We sampled roots of 19 plant species in 18 locations in Northeast Greenland, using next generation sequencing to identify AM fungi. We studied the joint effect of plant species, elevation and selected abiotic conditions on AM fungal presence, richness and composition.We identified 29 AM fungal virtual taxa (VT), of which six represent putatively new VT. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal presence increased with elevation, and as vegetation cover and the active soil layer decreased. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal composition was shaped jointly by elevation and plant species identity.We demonstrate that the Arctic harbours a relatively species-rich and nonrandomly distributed diversity of AM fungi. Given the high diversity and general lack of knowledge exposed herein, we encourage further research into the diversity, drivers and functional role of AM fungi in the Arctic. Such insight is urgently needed for an area with some of the globally highest rates of climate change.

Global arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity and abundance decreases with soil available phosphorus

“…From a resource economy perspective, the availability of soil‐derived nutrients is a key factor affecting the symbiotic C for P trade, mycorrhizal cost and benefits, and diversity and abundance of mycorrhizal fungi (Johnson, 2010; Johnson et al, 2015). In addition, many studies have also explored the relationship between plants and AMF (Davison et al, 2020; Hiiesalu et al, 2014; Rasmussen et al, 2022). The biotic filtering hypothesis states that host plants select compatible mycorrhizal fungi (HilleRisLambers et al, 2012).…”

Dynamics and drivers of mycorrhizal fungi after glacier retreat

“…In addition, the diversity of AM fungi was significantly influenced by plant diversity, while microclimate was particularly important for EcM fungi. These findings highlight the interplay between mycorrhizal types, abiotic factors and plant–microbe interactions in shaping mycorrhizal community dynamics along environmental changes (Davey et al ., 2015; Kivlin et al ., 2022; Rasmussen et al ., 2022). Geographical distribution also plays a role, for instance with potential differences between forelands located in tropical vs temperate regions, or located in regions with climatic conditions supporting different mycorrhizal types (Steidinger et al ., 2019; Guerrieri et al ., 2024).…”

Diversidade Da Microbiologia Do Solo Em Áreas De Cerrado

“…A distribuição cosmopolita e a baixa rotatividade em comunidades de FMAs em pequenas escalas espaciais tem sido alvo de pesquisas consagradas e é defendida na literatura como um indicador de limitação de dispersão (Vályi et al, 2016). Entretando, já existem relatos da existência de uma alta rotatividade em pequenas escalas espaciais, como preconizado por Rasmussen et al (2022), que apresentou insights importantes sobre a diversidade destes fungos impulsionados por diferentes comunidades de plantas, sugerindo crescentes diversidade inclusive em regiões da zona ártica da Terra. Com a colonização por meio de extensa rede de micélio extrarradicular tridimensional, os FMAs contribuem significativamente na absorção e transferência de nutrientes e água do solo para as plantas hospedeiras, desta forma percebe-se que os tratamentos contendo gramíneas podem apresentar maiores chances nesta troca mútua, o que possibilitará taxas de crescimento mais altas ou outros recursos em meio a condições ambientais sob estress, podendo também desempenhar papel essencial no processo de sucessão da comunidade vegetal quando contribuem para elevar a biodiversidade seja na superfície ou abaixo do solo (Asmelash;Bekele;Birhane, 2016;Barea et al, 2011).…”