[APWG] ARTICLE: Woody invaders are more highly colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi than congeneric native species in a common garden

[Park, Margaret E]

Louis J. Lamit, Amy S. Giovati, Insu Jo,  Doug A. Frank, Jason D. Fridley, American Journal of Botany, 10 March 2022

Abstract:

Premise
Invasive species tend to possess acquisitive plant traits that support fast growth and strong competitive ability. However, the relevance of symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to the fast growing, acquisitive strategy of invasive species is still unclear.
Methods
We measured AMF colonization in roots of five congeneric pairs of invasive and native Eastern North American woody species (10 species total; 4 lianas, 6 shrubs) that were grown in a monoculture common garden experiment in Syracuse, NY. We then examined the relationships of AMF colonization to above and belowground traits of these species.
Key results
Total AMF colonization and arbuscule colonization were greater in invasive compared to native woody species, a pattern that was more distinct in congeneric shrubs than congeneric lianas. AMF colonization was also positively correlated with traits indicative of rapid plant growth and nutrient uptake.
Conclusions
The concordance of a resource-acquisitive strategy with higher AMF colonization suggests that symbioses with AMF may be part of the strategy by which invasive woody plants of Eastern North America are able to maintain fast growth rates and outcompete their native counterparts.
Link to article: https://bsapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ajb2.1839
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