Open AccessWarming advances virus population dynamics in a temperate freshwater plankton community
Author(s) -
Frenken Thijs,
Brussaard Corina P. D.,
Velthuis Mandy,
Aben Ralf,
Kazanjian Garabet,
Hilt Sabine,
Kosten Sarian,
Peeters Edwin T. H. M.,
Senerpont Domis Lisette N.,
Stephan Susanne,
Donk Ellen,
Van de Waal Dedmer B.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
limnology and oceanography letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2378-2242
DOI - 10.1002/lol2.10160
Subject(s) - mesocosm , biology , ecology , population , ecosystem , temperate climate , obligate , global warming , plankton , microbial population biology , nutrient cycle , climate change , bacteria , demography , sociology , genetics
Viruses are important drivers in the cycling of carbon and nutrients in aquatic ecosystems. Since viruses are obligate parasites, their production completely depends on growth and metabolism of hosts and therefore can be affected by climate change. Here, we investigated if warming (+4°C) can change the outcome of viral infections in a natural freshwater virus community over a 5‐month period in a mesocosm experiment. We monitored dynamics of viruses and potential hosts. Results show that warming significantly advanced the early summer peak of the virus community by 24 d, but neither affected viral peak abundances nor time‐integrated number of viruses present. Our results demonstrate that warming advances the timing of viruses in a natural community. Although warming may not necessarily result in a stronger viral control of bacterial and phytoplankton communities, our results suggest it can alter host population dynamics through advanced timing of infections, and thus timing of carbon and nutrient recycling.