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Wide geographical and ecological distribution of nitrogen and carbon gains from fungi in pyroloids and monotropoids (Ericaceae) and in orchids
Author(s) -
Zimmer Katja,
Hynson Nicole A.,
Gebauer Gerhard,
Allen Edith B.,
Allen Michael F.,
Read David J.
Publication year - 2007
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.1469-8137.2007.02065.x
Subject(s) - heterotroph , biology , obligate , botany , autotroph , ecology , range (aeronautics) , ericaceae , bacteria , composite material , genetics , materials science
Summary• Stable isotope abundance analyses recently revealed that some European green orchids and pyroloids (Ericaceae) are partially myco‐heterotrophic, exploiting mycorrhizal fungi for organic carbon and nitrogen. Here we investigate related species to assess their nutritional mode across various forest and climate types in Germany and California. • C‐ and N‐isotope signatures of five green pyroloids, three green orchids and several obligate myco‐heterotrophic species (including the putatively fully myco‐heterotrophic Pyrola aphylla ) were analysed to quantify the green plants’ nutrient gain from their fungal partners and to investigate the constancy of enrichment in 13 C and 15 N of fully myco‐heterotrophic plants from diverse taxa and locations relative to neighbouring autotrophic plants. • All green pyroloid and one orchid species showed significant 15 N enrichment, confirming incorporation of fungi‐derived N compounds while heterotrophic C gain was detected only under low irradiance in Orthilia secunda . Pyrola aphylla had an isotope signature equivalent to those of fully myco‐heterotrophic plants. • It is demonstrated that primarily N gain from mycorrhizal fungi occurred in all taxonomic groups investigated across a wide range of geographical and ecological contexts. The 13 C and 15 N enrichment of obligate myco‐heterotrophic plants relative to accompanying autotrophic plants turned out as a fairly constant parameter.