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UBC Theses and Dissertations

Kin-selected signal transfer through mycorrhizal networks in Douglas-fir Gorzelak, Monika A

Abstract

Mycorrhizal networks create pathways for movement of resources and information molecules belowground. A mycorrhizal network is formed when two or more plants are linked by the same mycorrhizal fungus. Experiments have demonstrated movement of carbon and nitrogen between Douglas-fir and neighboring plants in response to source-sink dynamics, seasonality, and differences in age of linked plants. Furthermore, the network appears to act a conduit for information chemicals, where defense chemicals are transferred in response to herbivory or pathogen attack. Because of recent evidence implying the capacity for Douglas-fir to recognize kin, as well as differential colonization of Douglas-fir by ectomycorrhizas based on tree relatedness, this thesis aimed to determine whether Douglas-fir would preferentially transfer carbon and/or nitrogen through mycorrhizal networks to kin over strangers in response to herbivory treatment. Using seedlings with and without access to a mycorrhizal network (restricted or permitted via mesh pore size), stable isotope probing was used to track carbon and nitrogen in the system. One seedling of a pair was designated as the 'donor' and defoliated immediately prior to photosynthesizing with 99%-¹³C-CO₂ as well as pulse-labelling with 99%-¹⁵N ammonium nitrate. Both a greenhouse and field experiments were performed to corroborate results. Transfer was determined by measuring δ¹³C and δ¹³N in tissues (needle, stem, root) of kin and stranger seedlings. Data was analyzed using linear mixed effects models. Significantly more carbon was transferred to kin than strangers, and through the mycorrhizal network than when the mycorrhizal network was blocked. Furthermore, herbivory (in the form of western spruce budworm defoliation as well as manual defoliation) induced transfer of carbon to kin over strangers. Douglas-fir families differed in their tendency to transfer carbon and nitrogen to kin. Molecules potentially involved in defense signaling were identified using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy. Ectomycorrhizal fungi that can form mycorrhizal networks were found on all seedlings. We conclude that preferential carbon transfer through mycorrhizal networks occurs between kin in Douglas-fir and is amplified by herbivory stress. Herbivory is not necessary for transfer, as some transfer also occurred in the no-herbivory treatment.

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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International