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Research landscape of experiments on global change effects on mycorrhizas

Summary

Scientists conducted a comprehensive survey of research on how mycorrhizal fungi (underground fungi that partner with plant roots) respond to global environmental changes like drought and pollution. They found that most research focuses on just one stressor at a time, with very few studies examining how multiple environmental changes together affect these important fungi. The research also showed significant geographic biases, with most studies concentrated in developed countries, leaving major knowledge gaps about mycorrhizal responses in understudied regions.

Background

Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic associations with roots of the vast majority of plants and have pervasive effects on ecosystems by influencing plant performance, plant communities and soils. Understanding how global environmental change affects these critical fungal associations is essential for comprehending terrestrial ecosystem responses. Previous syntheses have focused on individual global change factors rather than providing a comprehensive overview of the entire research landscape.

Objective

To conduct a systematic mapping of experimental literature on global change effects on mycorrhizal fungi, identifying knowledge clusters and gaps across multiple parameters including mycorrhizal types, geographic representation, global change factors, and their interactions.

Results

Of 2,884 eligible articles, 76.5% focused on arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi, 22.1% on ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi, and 1.2% on ericoid mycorrhizal (ErM) fungi. Research was concentrated on drought (28.8% for AM), heavy metals (18.2% for AM), and sodicity (15.7% for AM). Only 6.5% of articles tested multiple global change factors in combination. Geographic hotspots were identified in the United States, Europe, and China, with underrepresentation from Africa, South America, and Australia.

Conclusion

The research landscape on mycorrhizal responses to global change is heterogeneously structured with significant knowledge gaps, particularly regarding multiple factor interactions, emerging factors like microplastics, and underrepresented mycorrhizal types and species. Future research should prioritize testing multiple global change factors simultaneously, focus on EcM and ErM fungi, expand geographic coverage, and increase phylogenetic diversity of studied AM fungal species.
  • Published in:New Phytologist,
  • Study Type:Systematic Mapping,
  • Source: 10.1111/nph.70452
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