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Response of ericoid mycorrhizal colonization and functioning to global change factors
Author(s) -
Olsrud M.,
Melillo J. M.,
Christensen T. R.,
Michelsen A.,
Wallander H.,
Olsson P. A.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2004.01049.x
Subject(s) - ecosystem , vaccinium myrtillus , colonization , photosynthesis , ectomycorrhiza , mycorrhiza , biology , botany , understory , ecology , carbon cycle , abiotic component , colonisation , symbiosis , bacteria , genetics , canopy
Summary• Here, we investigated effects of increased atmospheric CO 2 concentration, increased temperatures, and both factors in combination on ericoid mycorrhizal colonization, mycorrhizal functioning and below‐ground carbon allocation in a subarctic forest understorey, to evaluate the hypothesis that photosynthesis is a primary driver for mycorrhizal colonization. • Treatment effects on ecosystem processes were investigated using 14 C‐pulse labelling and photosynthesis measurements in combination with analysis of ergosterol content in roots. The effects on δ 15 N in leaves were also studied. • Ergosterol content in hair roots was positively correlated with ecosystem photosynthesis and was higher in heat‐ and CO 2 ‐treated plots. Leaves from CO 2 plots tended to be more depleted in 15 N compared with controls both for Vaccinium myrtillus and V. vitis‐idaea . • Our results suggest that changes in ecosystem photosynthesis, plant carbon (C) allocation may give rise to changing mycorrhizal colonization under elevated CO 2 and temperature. The role of mycorrhizas in ecosystem N‐cycling may change on a long‐term basis as inorganic N availability declines with increasing levels of atmospheric CO 2 .