Summary
This study demonstrates an inverse relationship between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal competitive ability and their mutualistic benefit to host plants (Plantago lanceolata). The best competitor, Scutellospora calospora, provided the least growth promotion, whilst the poorest competitor, Glomus white, was the most beneficial mutualist. Competition for root space had stronger effects on fungal infection patterns than herbivory stress, suggesting that competitive hierarchies among AM fungi are relatively stable even under plant stress.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted with a generalist herbaceous plant host and common AM fungal species relevant to temperate grasslands and agricultural soils. Results are applicable to understanding AM fungal dynamics in United Kingdom pastures and arable systems, though the laboratory setting limits direct inference to field conditions.
Key measures
AM fungal root infection patterns, competitive dominance between fungal species, plant growth promotion, spore production, effects of simulated herbivory on fungal competition
Outcomes reported
The study measured competitive ability and host growth promotion across three AM fungal species, and tested whether herbivory altered competitive dominance patterns in plant roots.
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