Abstract
We tested whether one of the consequences of alien plant invasion predicted by the mutualism disruption hypothesis was true in regard to ash-leaved maple (Acer negundo L.). The study aimed to determine whether the occurrence of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal herbs varied similarly or differently in communities with different degrees of A. negundo dominance. We analysed the results of 78 relevés carried out in the Belarusian Polesie, the Middle Volga region and the Middle Urals. In each region, communities with dominance of A. negundo and without it were described. The mycorrhizal status of plant species was determined using the FungalRoot Database. It was found, with an increase in probability of arbuscular mycorrhiza formation, the frequency of those species’ registration was decreased in A. negundo thickets. On the contrary, with an increase in probability of non-mycorrhizal status, the frequency of those species’ registration was increased in A. negundo thickets. Therefore, in communities dominated by A. negundo, the occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal herbs was selectively decreased.
Published Version
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