Experimentally reduced root–microbe interactions reveal limited plasticity in functional root traits in Acer and Quercus

• DOI: 10.1093/aob/mct276
• Publication Date: 2013-12-21T03:16:48Z
• Authors: Mei-Ho Lee; Louise H. Comas; Hilary S. Callahan
• Keywords: Trait

Interactions between roots and soil microbes are critical components of below-ground ecology. It is essential to quantify the magnitude root trait variation both among within species, including due plasticity. In addition contextualizing plasticity relative differences studies can ascertain if predictable whether an environmental factor elicits changes in traits that functionally advantageous. To compare functional plasticities fine tissues with natural reduced levels colonization by microbial symbionts, trimmed surface-sterilized segments 2-year-old Acer rubrum Quercus rubra seedlings were manipulated. Segments then replanted into satellite pots filled control or heat-treated soil, originally derived from a forest. Mycorrhizal was near zero grown soil; matched higher observed unmanipulated samples collected field locations. Between-treatment comparisons revealed negligible for diameter, branching intensity nitrogen concentration across species. Roots treated soils had decreased tissue density (approx. 10–20 %) increased specific length 10–30 %). contrast, species significant greater than treatment effects other density. Interspecific also samples, which generally resembled greenhouse samples. The combination experimental approaches useful comparison inter- intra-specific variation. Findings largely dependent, exception density, discussed context current literature on variation, interactions symbionts recent progress standardization methods quantifying traits.