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Independent and differential effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal composition and plant pathogens on plant traits and nitrogen uptake

Zhang, Li1; Rong, Yizhong2; Zhang, Peng3; Lin, Ziyuan3; Hu, Kui3; Wang, Xingxing3; Liu, Xiang3; Liu, Mu3

Published Nov 20, 2024 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.1ns1rn91p

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Nov 20, 2024 version files 55.21 KB

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), as microbial mutualists, interact with various microbial taxa, including pathogens, and significantly shape the ecology and evolution of their host species. However, how AMF and pathogens jointly or independently affect plant traits and nitrogen uptake remains unclear. Here we conducted a factorial experiment with three AMF treatments (AMF-free-control, Funneliformis mosseae, and a mixture of AMF species of F. mosseae and Claroideoglomus etunicatum), four plant-pathogen pairs, each under two pathogen treatments (one pathogen and a pathogen-free control). After 65 days of growth, we measured AMF colonization, pathogen infection, plant functional traits, and ammonium and nitrate uptake. Our findings reveal that AMF and pathogens independently influence plant traits and nitrogen uptake, with no observed interactions between them. Specifically, colonization by F. mosseae or a mixed AMF species reduced nitrate uptake and plant height, without affecting root traits or ammonium uptake. In contrast, pathogen infection enhanced acquisitive root traits, such as increased specific root length and area, but did not impact shoot traits or nitrogen uptake. These results broaden our understanding of the tripartite interactions among plants, AMF, and pathogens, offering insights into how plant-microbial relationships influence plant health, growth, and nitrogen cycling.