Authors
Adam Frew, Maarja Öpik, Jane Oja, Tanel Vahter, Inga Hiiesalu, Carlos A Aguilar‐Trigueros
Publication date
2023
Journal
New Phytologist
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell
Description
In terrestrial ecosystems, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi engage in symbiosis with> 70% of terrestrial plants (Brundrett & Tedersoo, 2018). These fungi occupy the soil where their hyphae grow and forage for resources such as phosphorus (P). Their ability to access such resources is fundamental to their obligate symbiotic relationship with plants, as supply of soil nutrients is exchanged for carbon within the host roots (Smith & Read, 2008). Thus, AM fungi occupy a dual habitat, inhabiting the soil but also plant root systems in which they often form complex and dynamic communities (Opik et al., 2006). While the symbiosis is often characterised by the transfer of nutrients and carbon, the ecological roles of AM fungi extend beyond the exchanging of resources. They can significantly support plant resilience against various stresses, such as drought, and are important for soil structure, nutrient cycling, and carbon cycling (Powell & Rillig, 2018). Although research into the AM symbiosis advances, key knowledge gaps remain regarding the factors that shape the diversity and community assembly of these fungi within plant roots, especially in the context of other plant biotic interactions. The majority of plants which AM fungi associate with are subject to attack from insect herbivores (Price et al., 2011). For an estimated 350 million years, this relationship has exerted substantial influence on the evolution and diversification of plants (Agrawal et al., 2012). Herbivory is expected to have significant impacts on the AM symbiosis and AM fungi because of the sizable effects on plant carbon budgets along with potential shifts in the needs and allocation of …
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