Open‐source data reveal how collections‐based fungal diversity is sensitive to global change

Abstract

Premise of the Study Fungal diversity (richness) trends at large scales are in urgent need of investigation, especially through novel situations that combine long‐term observational with environmental and remotely sensed open‐source data. Methods We modeled fungal richness, with collections‐based records of saprotrophic (decaying) and ectomycorrhizal (plant mutualistic) fungi, using an array of environmental variables across geographical gradients from northern to central Europe. Temporal differences in covariables granted insight into the impacts of the shorter‐ versus longer‐term environment on fungal richness. Results Fungal richness varied significantly across different land‐use types, with highest richness in forests and lowest in urban areas. Latitudinal trends supported a unimodal pattern in diversity across Europe. Temperature, both annual mean and range, was positively correlated with richness, indicating the importance of seasonality in increasing richness amounts. Precipitation seasonality notably affected saprotrophic fungal diversity (a unimodal relationship), as did daily precipitation of the collection day (negatively correlated). Ectomycorrhizal fungal richness differed from that of saprotrophs by being positively associated with tree species richness. Discussion Our results demonstrate that fungal richness is strongly correlated with land use and climate conditions, especially concerning seasonality, and that ongoing global change processes will affect fungal richness patterns at large scales.

Predicted climate change will increase the truffle cultivation potential in central Europe

“…However, our models suggest that the very strong temperature increase under the high-emission scenario (RCP8.5), together with the cumulative likelihood of summer droughts 27 , will suppress fruit body formation (and thus total production) 20 , regardless of the sporocarp's ability to survive under extreme aridity. Hence, we expect that the most favourable climate conditions will move northward, which coincides with the predicted latitudinal shift reported in Büntgen et al 26 , and agrees with the overall climate-induced migration of ectomycorrhiza fungi [1][2][3][4] . The lower suitability for the Périgord truffle corresponds with the species' current restriction to southern Europe 23 .…”

Effects of Plant and Soil Characteristics on Phyllosphere and Rhizosphere Fungal Communities During Plant Development in a Copper Tailings Dam

“…Additionally, fungal community diversity and species richness were both higher in the rhizosphere compared to the phyllosphere, which is in agreement with an earlier study ( Park et al, 2017 ). One study reported that tree traits can affect the patterns of fungal richness in leaves ( Andrew et al, 2019 ). In our study, root properties were the dominate factor that influenced phyllosphere fungal diversity, while soil properties indirectly affected phyllosphere fungal diversity ( Figure 6 ).…”

Phenology models using herbarium specimens are only slightly improved by using finer‐scale stages of reproduction

“…Phenology studies are increasingly used to investigate how plants and animals are responding to current climate change and to predict how they may respond to future climate change (e.g., Wolkovich et al., ; Zohner and Renner, ; Andrew et al., ). How plants respond to changing patterns of temperature and precipitation has major implications for agriculture, forestry, growing season dynamics, and ecosystem processes (Tang et al., ).…”