Root-associated fungi

Plant-pathogenic and mycorrhizal fungi residing in the rhizosphere have garnered significant attention in ecological research, particularly concerning topics such as plant-soil feedback, negative density dependence, plant invasion and ecosystem functioning. The heightened interest in these two types of fungi stems from their varying influence on plant health and productivity across plant species, environmental conditions, and spatial scales.

Understanding the extent to which host species, environment, and spatial factors influence the assembly and function of these root-associated fungi is a fundamental question to microbial ecologists, carrying crucial implications for the broader field of plant ecology.

In 2018, I conducted a study utilizing metabarcoding and quantitative modeling to address this question, by identifying pathogens and mycorrhizal fungi in fine roots of 519 plants from 45 tree species in a subtropical forest in southern China.

We found that host plant traits and phylogeny play a crucial role in driving the assembly of both pathogenic and mycorrhizal fungi, overshadowing the influence of environmental factors and spatial proximity.

Moreover, pathogens exhibit a higher degree of specialization towards specific plant species, whereas mycorrhizal fungi show specialization at a broader taxonomic level, such as plant families.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying the formation of plant-pathogen and mycorrhizal associations is a fundamental question in fungal ecology. By unraveling these intricate relationships, we gain valuable insights into the roles played by plant-associated fungi in shaping plant communities and influencing ecosystem functioning.