Publication Details
Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1111/nph.12640
Title (Primary) Coexisting orchid species have distinct mycorrhizal communities and display strong spatial segregation
Author Jacquemyn, H.; Brys, R.; Merckx, V.S.F.T.; Waud, M.; Lievens, B.; Wiegand, T.
Source Titel New Phytologist
Year 2014
Department OESA
Volume 202
Issue 2
Page From 616
Page To 627
Language englisch
Keywords coexistence; fungi; mycorrhizal orchids; spatial structure; species interactions
UFZ wide themes RU5;
Abstract
  • Because orchids are dependent on mycorrhizal fungi for germination and establishment of seedlings, differences in the mycorrhizal communities associating with orchids can be expected to mediate the abundance, spatial distribution and coexistence of terrestrial orchids in natural communities.
  • We assessed the small-scale spatial distribution of seven orchid species co-occurring in 25 × 25 m plots in two Mediterranean grasslands. In order to characterize the mycorrhizal community associating with each orchid species, 454 pyrosequencing was used. The extent of spatial clustering was assessed using techniques of spatial point pattern analysis.
  • The community of mycorrhizal fungi consisted mainly of members of the Tulasnellaceae, Thelephoraceae and Ceratobasidiaceae, although sporadically members of the Sebacinaceae, Russulaceae and Cortinariaceae were observed. Pronounced differences in mycorrhizal communities were observed between species, whereas strong clustering and significant segregation characterized the spatial distribution of orchid species. However, spatial segregation was not significantly related to phylogenetic dissimilarity of fungal communities.
  • Our results indicate that co-occurring orchid species have distinctive mycorrhizal communities and show strong spatial segregation, suggesting that mycorrhizal fungi are important factors driving niche partitioning in terrestrial orchids and may therefore contribute to orchid coexistence.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=14973
Jacquemyn, H., Brys, R., Merckx, V.S.F.T., Waud, M., Lievens, B., Wiegand, T. (2014):
Coexisting orchid species have distinct mycorrhizal communities and display strong spatial segregation
New Phytol. 202 (2), 616 - 627 10.1111/nph.12640