Common mycorrhizal networks amplify competition by preferential mineral nutrient allocation to large host plants

• DOI: 10.1111/nph.14041
• Publication Date: 2016-06-06T09:28:39Z
• Authors: Joanna Weremijewicz; Leonel da Silveir...; David P. Janos
• Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; Andropogon; Dry weight

Summary Arbuscular mycorrhizal ( AM ) fungi interconnect plants in common networks CMN s) which can amplify competition among neighbors. Amplified might result from the supplying mineral nutrients preferentially to hosts that abundantly provide fixed carbon, as suggested by research with organ‐cultured roots. We examined whether s supplied 15 N large, nonshaded, whole plants. conducted an intraspecific target–neighbor pot experiment Andropogon gerardii and several intact, severed or prevented s. Neighbors were N, half of target shaded. Intact increased dry weight DW ), intensified size inequality. Shading decreased weight, but shaded intact had colonization similar sunlit acquired substrate neighbors allocated it sunlit, Sunlit, , much 27% their nitrogen vicinity neighbors, targets did not. These results suggest those conspecific host individuals best able them carbon representing strongest sinks, thereby potentially amplifying asymmetric below ground.