Research focused on mycorrhizal-plant relationships is overwhelmingly centered on the major two types of mycorrhizal relationships: those with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and those with ectomycorrhizal fungi. However, a third group of less prevalent mycorrhizal fungi are the ericoid fungi. Although ericoid fungi may not be as common globally, they are an integral component of unique wetland systems that in turn contribute disproportionately to carbon storage. These ericoid fungi are instrumental in wetland systems, supporting plant nutrient uptake, reducing toxicity, and decomposing recalcitrant material. Moreover, most recent work that has been conducted with ericoid fungi takes an observational approach, with with scarce direct tests under experimental conditions.
The well-studied plant diversity-productivity relationship reveals that increasing plant richness can lead to greater productivity.
However, how increasing mutualist diversity alters this relationships has not been studied. In particular, whether ericoid fungal community richness alters this relationship and how is unknown. Therefore, the overarching objective of this project is to investigate the potential impact and of ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) diversity on plant productivity in wetland systems. We hope to understand the relative importance of fungal and plant diversity on plant productivity. To evaluate the impact of ericoid fungal diversity on plant productivity, we will set up a mesocosm experiment manipulating ericoid and plant diversity. Ultimately, this will help us understand how changes in these ericoid communities may feed back to the carbon uptake and storage in these important, yet threatened, ecosystems.
The well-studied plant diversity-productivity relationship reveals that increasing plant richness can lead to greater productivity.
However, how increasing mutualist diversity alters this relationships has not been studied. In particular, whether ericoid fungal community richness alters this relationship and how is unknown. Therefore, the overarching objective of this project is to investigate the potential impact and of ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) diversity on plant productivity in wetland systems. We hope to understand the relative importance of fungal and plant diversity on plant productivity. To evaluate the impact of ericoid fungal diversity on plant productivity, we will set up a mesocosm experiment manipulating ericoid and plant diversity. Ultimately, this will help us understand how changes in these ericoid communities may feed back to the carbon uptake and storage in these important, yet threatened, ecosystems.
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Laura van Galen and I have been working very closely to set up this experiment. Laura is a postdoctoral researcher in the lab who's work focusses on fungal ecology and conservation, with particular emphasis on understanding global patterns of mycorrhizal diversity.
We thank the many people at ETH Zurich and WSL for their support in getting this project off the ground. Special thanks to Martin Vohnik and Elena Martino for sharing their ericoid cultures with us!
Alice is a master's student at ETH. She wants to explore the role of microorganisms in ecosystems, as well as its potential for conservation and restoration.
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