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High‐resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of carbon dynamics in mycorrhizas formed by an obligately myco‐heterotrophic orchid
Author(s) -
BOUGOURE JEREMY,
LUDWIG MARTHA,
BRUNDRETT MARK,
CLIFF JOHN,
CLODE PETA,
KILBURN MATT,
GRIERSON PAULINE
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
plant, cell and environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.646
H-Index - 200
eISSN - 1365-3040
pISSN - 0140-7791
DOI - 10.1111/pce.12230
Subject(s) - botany , mycorrhiza , biology , carbon fibers , hypha , fungus , lysis , orchidaceae , secondary ion mass spectrometry , ectomycorrhiza , mass spectrometry , chemistry , symbiosis , bacteria , biochemistry , genetics , materials science , composite number , composite material , chromatography
Mycorrhiza formation represents a significant carbon ( C ) acquisition alternative for orchid species, particularly those that remain achlorophyllous through all life stages. As it is known that orchid mycorrhizas facilitate nutrient transfer (most notably of C ), it has not been resolved if C transfer occurs only after lysis of mycorrhizal structures (fungal pelotons) or also across the mycorrhizal interface of pre‐lysed pelotons. We used high‐resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry ( nanoSIMS ) and labelling with enriched 13 CO 2 to trace C transfers, at subcellular scale, across mycorrhizal interfaces formed by R hizanthella gardneri , an achlorphyllous orchid. Carbon was successfully traced in to the fungal portion of orchid mycorrhizas. However, we did not detect C movement across intact mycorrhizal interfaces up to 216 h post 13 CO 2 labelling. Our findings provide support for the hypothesis that C transfer from the mycorrhizal fungus to orchid, at least for R . gardneri , likely occurs after lysis of the fungal peloton.