The work performed and the results achieved so far for the two work packages (WP) of this project are detailed below.
WP1. AM fungi in roots of plants with different sex. This WP aimed to demonstrate if plant roots from different sexes are colonised by different AM fungal communities by
identifying and comparing AM fungal communities colonizing roots 1a) from different sexes in several plant species; and 2a) along a latitudinal gradient using two focal plant species.
Roots from more than 700 different plant individuals from 23 different species (Asparagus officinalis, Beta vulgaris, Bryonia dioica, Cirsium arvense, Echium vulgare, Geranium sylvaticum, Glechoma hederacea, Humulus lupulus, Knautia arvensis, Lycopus europaeus, Mercurialis perennis, Oregano vulgare, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Rumex acetosa, Rumex acetosella, Silene dioica, Silene latifolia, Succisa pratensis, Tammus communis, Thymus polytrichum, Urtica dioica) were collected and microscopically analysed to check for AMF colonisation after trypan blue staining. This analysis confirmed that several species are indeed non-mycorrhizal in the field (e.g. Silene dioica, Silene latifolia, Urtica dioica, Rumex acetosa, Rumex acetosella).
Following visual estimation of AMF presence in roots, AMF DNA was isolated from about 260 root samples and identified in part of the samples (n = 120) using next generation sequencing. The rest of the samples (n =140) are being currently sequenced. Once all the sequencing data is obtained, we will analyse it to demonstrate if plant roots from different sexes are colonised by different AM fungal communities.
WP2. AM fungal-plant-animal interactions. This WP aimed to determine the effects of AM fungi on floral traits and attractants to pollinators and herbivores by examining 2a) how AM fungi affect pollinators; and 2b) how AM fungi affect herbivores. For this WP, an experimental population composed of 210 Knautia arvensis plants inoculated with increasing levels of AM fungal diversity was established at the beginning of the Fellowship. The plan was to grow the plants until flowering and then collect and analyse floral volatiles to investigate whether plants with different sexes differ in their volatile composition and how AM fungi may affect these compounds. Unfortunately, only 3 plants have flowered so far even though we expect them to flower during this summer so we can finally carry out the volatile collection. Nevertheless, we have collected data on plant growth and survival in response to different AM fungi and we have tried the methods.
At this point, we do not have the results to demonstrate if plant roots from different sexes are colonised by different AMF as samples are currently being sequenced. Similarly, we are still analysing volatile samples to determine the effect of AM fungi on floral traits and attractants to pollinators and herbivores. We expect to obtain all results within the next few months. Then, data will be published as soon as possible in suitable high-ranked international peer-reviewed journals and made available in data repositories to ensure maximum dissemination. All obtained genetic sequences will become available in GenBank and submitted to MaarjAM database. Results will be presented at international and national conferences. Press releases and articles in non-specialised press will be written to disseminate even further the results gained.
