Environmental modulation of plant mycorrhizal traits in the global flora

Abstract

Mycorrhizal symbioses are known to strongly influence plant performance, structure plant communities and shape ecosystem dynamics. Plant mycorrhizal traits, such as those characterising mycorrhizal type (arbuscular (AM), ecto‐, ericoid or orchid mycorrhiza) and status (obligately (OM), facultatively (FM) or non‐mycorrhizal) offer valuable insight into plant belowground functionality. Here, we compile available plant mycorrhizal trait information and global occurrence data (100 million records) for 11,770 vascular plant species. Using a plant phylogenetic mega‐tree and high‐resolution climatic and edaphic data layers, we assess phylogenetic and environmental correlates of plant mycorrhizal traits. We find that plant mycorrhizal type is more phylogenetically conserved than plant mycorrhizal status, while environmental variables (both climatic and edaphic; notably soil texture) explain more variation in mycorrhizal status, especially FM. The previously underestimated role of environmental conditions has far‐reaching implications for our understanding of ecosystem functioning under changing climatic and soil conditions.

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