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The influence of mycorrhizal hyphal connections and neighbouring plants on Plantago lanceolata physiology and nutrient uptake

Summary

Fungi that live in soil form partnerships with plant roots and can extend underground networks connecting multiple plants. In this study, plants with access to expanded fungal networks captured more carbon through photosynthesis, accumulated more nutrients like phosphorus and zinc, and released more carbon into the soil. However, whether neighboring plants were present or what type they were did not significantly change these benefits, suggesting that soil exploration volume matters more than plant-to-plant connections through fungal networks.

Background

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with most plant species and play crucial roles in nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and ecosystem function. Mycorrhizal hyphae can extend beyond plant roots to form common mycorrhizal networks connecting neighboring plants, potentially facilitating nutrient and resource transfer between plants.

Objective

To investigate how extension of extra-radical mycorrhizal hyphae and their interaction with different neighboring plants influence plant physiology and nutrient uptake in Plantago lanceolata, a mycotrophic perennial herb common to European grasslands.

Results

Static cores with intact hyphal connections showed 15.4% greater above-ground biomass, 51% higher leaf phosphorus, and 18.2% greater carbon fixation compared to rotated cores. Root exudate carbon was 24.2% higher in static cores. Elevated magnesium, sulphur, copper, and zinc were also observed in static cores. Contrary to expectations, radial plant species identity had no significant effect on focal plant performance.

Conclusion

Development of fungal networks beyond the immediate rhizosphere significantly enhances plant carbon capture, increases root exudate release, and facilitates accumulation of multiple essential elements including micronutrients. Soil foraging effects appear more important than common mycorrhizal network connections between neighboring plants in this system.
  • Published in:Mycorrhiza,
  • Study Type:Greenhouse Experiment,
  • Source: PMID: 40751805, DOI: 10.1007/s00572-025-01221-8
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