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Fungal endophytes nearly double minimum leaf conductance in seedlings of a neotropical tree species

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2007

A. Elizabeth Arnold
Affiliation:
Division of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
Bettina M. J. Engelbrecht
Affiliation:
Department of Plant Ecology and Systematics, Technische Universität Kaiserslautern University of Kaiserslautern, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, P.O. Box 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancón, Republic of Panamá

Abstract

Drought strongly influences plant phenology, growth and mortality in tropical forests, thereby shaping plant performance, population dynamics and community structure (Bunker & Carson 2005, Condit et al. 1995). Microbial symbionts of plants profoundly influence host water relations (Lösch & Gansert 2002), but are rarely considered in studies of tropical plant physiology. In particular, plant–fungus associations, which are ubiquitous in plant communities and especially common in tropical forests, play important and varied roles in plant water status. Fungal pathogens associated with roots, vascular tissue and foliage may interfere with water uptake and transport, increase rates of foliar transpiration, and induce xylem embolism and tissue death (Agrios 1997). In contrast, rhizosphere mutualists such as ecto- and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi may benefit hosts by increasing surface area for water uptake, enhancing stomatal regulation of water loss, and increasing root hydraulic conductivity (Auge 2001, Lösch & Gansert 2002).

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
2007 Cambridge University Press

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