TY - JOUR

T1 - Fungal phylogeny and plant functional traits structure plant–rhizosphere fungi networks in a subtropical forest

AU - Zhu, Chuchao

AU - Wang, Zihui

AU - Luo, Wenqi

AU - Feng, Jiayi

AU - Chen, Yongfa

AU - He, Dong

AU - Ellwood, M. D. Farnon

AU - Chu, Chengjin

AU - Li, Yuanzhi

PY - 2022/8

Y1 - 2022/8

N2 - Although rhizosphere fungi are essential for plant survival and ecosystem functioning, little is known about the processes that structure plant–fungal association networks. In this study, we constructed association networks between 43 plant species and two groups of root-associated fungi (mycorrhizal and pathogenic fungi; MF and PF, respectively) in a diverse subtropical forest. We then evaluated the modularity of plant–MF and plant–PF networks and linked them to the functional traits and phylogenies of both plants and fungi. We observed strong modularity in both plant–MF and plant–PF networks. Phylogenetically related fungi tended to emerge in the same modules. MF from distinct modules associated with plants with different specific root length and specific root area in plant–MF networks. PF from distinct modules associated with plants with different dark respiration rate and light compensation point in plant–PF networks. Plant affiliation to modules was explained by both plant traits and phylogeny (22MF and 37PF networks). In contrast, fungal affiliation to modules was explained by fungal phylogeny (16MF and 29PF networks). Our results elucidate the link between modularity in plant–root fungal networks and the functional traits and phylogeny of the plants and fungi. Our study highlights the importance of traits and phylogeny in governing root fungal community assembly from network perspective.

AB - Although rhizosphere fungi are essential for plant survival and ecosystem functioning, little is known about the processes that structure plant–fungal association networks. In this study, we constructed association networks between 43 plant species and two groups of root-associated fungi (mycorrhizal and pathogenic fungi; MF and PF, respectively) in a diverse subtropical forest. We then evaluated the modularity of plant–MF and plant–PF networks and linked them to the functional traits and phylogenies of both plants and fungi. We observed strong modularity in both plant–MF and plant–PF networks. Phylogenetically related fungi tended to emerge in the same modules. MF from distinct modules associated with plants with different specific root length and specific root area in plant–MF networks. PF from distinct modules associated with plants with different dark respiration rate and light compensation point in plant–PF networks. Plant affiliation to modules was explained by both plant traits and phylogeny (22MF and 37PF networks). In contrast, fungal affiliation to modules was explained by fungal phylogeny (16MF and 29PF networks). Our results elucidate the link between modularity in plant–root fungal networks and the functional traits and phylogeny of the plants and fungi. Our study highlights the importance of traits and phylogeny in governing root fungal community assembly from network perspective.

KW - mycorrhizal fungi

KW - network assembly

KW - network modules

KW - pathogenic fungi

KW - photosynthetic and root traits

KW - root microorganisms

U2 - 10.1111/oik.08992

DO - 10.1111/oik.08992

M3 - Article

VL - 2022

SP - e08992

JO - Oikos

JF - Oikos

SN - 0030-1299

IS - 8

ER -