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Ericoid mycorrhizal growth response is influenced by host plant phylogeny

Summary

Scientists studied how different types of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi affect the growth of nine different plants related to heather and blueberries. They found that the benefits a plant gets from a fungal partner depend on which specific plant and fungus are paired together, and that a plant’s evolutionary family history can predict how well it will respond to different fungi. These findings could help conservation efforts restore damaged heathlands and wetlands by choosing the right fungal partners for each plant species.

Background

Ericoid mycorrhizal (ErM) fungi are crucial for establishment of ericaceous plants in heathlands and wetlands by improving nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. However, research has been limited to few host species and fungal isolates, leaving significant gaps in understanding how plant and fungal identities influence the symbiosis and mycorrhizal growth response (MGR).

Objective

To expand baseline knowledge of ErM symbiosis by screening 72 unique combinations of nine ericaceous plant species and eight ErMF isolates. The study aimed to assess association and response specificity, examine how plant phylogeny influences MGR, and provide information for restoration and conservation efforts.

Results

Mycorrhizal growth response was variable and depended on both plant and fungal identity, with response specificity ranging from generalist to specialist patterns. Plant phylogeny significantly influenced MGR for seven of eight fungal isolates. Colonization levels were independent of biomass benefits, and all inoculations shifted resource allocation toward roots compared to controls.

Conclusion

Plant evolutionary history is an important predictor of ErM growth response, suggesting that phylogenetic frameworks could help target restoration efforts. The findings reveal complex specificity patterns in ErM symbiosis and highlight that colonization intensity does not predict mycorrhizal benefit.
  • Published in:Mycorrhiza,
  • Study Type:Experimental greenhouse study,
  • Source: PMID: 40801964, DOI: 10.1007/s00572-025-01223-6
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