How do above and belowground grass-fungus symbioses change over elevational gradients in mountainous Colorado?
Abstract
Plants and fungi are closely associated and likely have been since terrestrial ecosystems were first inhabited. These symbiotic relationships have taken two main forms: internal aboveground symbionts known as endophytes, and belowground root associated fungi, the most common of which are mycorrhizal fungi. Fungal endophytes produce alkaloids that help the grass defend against herbivory, and have been shown to increase drought tolerance and overall production; mycorrhizal fungi help the plant obtain nutrients and water from the soil. Current data on fungal symbionts do not clearly predict how fungal abundance varies with elevation. Our survey, the first broad grass-endophyte survey in Colorado, spans greater host diversity and steeper gradients than have been examined in previous research and has potential to increase the ability to predict how fungal symbionts will vary along environmental gradients and with important abiotic factors. We surveyed 7 elevational gradients—7 peaks and every vertical 200 m below to an endpoint of about 8600m—in the Colorado Rocky Mountains (Elk Mountain range) and evaluated present grass and fungus species. We examined leaf and root samples for presence of fungal endophytes and mycorrhizae. We likely discovered a novel species of systemic fungal endophyte, and found a number of significant correlations with fungal frequency as related to elevation and soil moisture and also among fungal groups.
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