Root fungal colonisations of the understory grass Deschampsia flexuosa after top-canopy harvesting

Abstract

Root fungal relationships in forest understory may be affected by tree harvesting. Deschampsia flexuosa forms a mutualistic symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi functioning in nutrient uptake, and a more loose association with dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi. We asked how harvesting affects fungal colonisations and whether DSE is more prone to change than AM. Deschampsia flexuosa plants were sampled close to a control or a cut tree after top-canopy harvesting in a primary successional site. Colonisations were studied using light microscopy. Shoot N%, vegetation cover and soil nutrients were determined. Tree harvesting did not affect vegetation and soil parameters, except potassium (K+) increasing near cut trees. AM colonisation did not change, while DSE increased. Shoot N% increased with increasing DSE near cut trees. Hyaline septate (HSE) hyphae and soil K+ and magnesium (Mg2+) were positively correlated near control trees. Lichen cover and HSE correlated negatively. DSE colonisation increased but AM did not change after harvesting. Positive correlation of DSE with shoot N% near cut trees may suggest a role for DSE in favouring plant nitrogen uptake after disturbance in an open microsite. HSE may play a role in K+ and Mg2+ uptake.