Application of network theory to potential mycorrhizal networks

Abstract

The concept of a common mycorrhizal network implies that the arrangement of plants and mycorrhizal fungi in a community shares properties with other networks. A network is a system of nodes connected by links. Here we apply network theory to mycorrhizas to determine whether the architecture of a potential common mycorrhizal network is random or scale-free. We analyzed mycorrhizal data from an oak woodland from two perspectives: the phytocentric view using trees as nodes and fungi as links and the mycocentric view using fungi as nodes and trees as links. From the phytocentric perspective, the distribution of potential mycorrhizal links, as measured by the number of ectomycorrhizal morphotypes on trees of Quercus garryana, was random with a short tail, implying that all the individuals of this species are more or less equal in linking to fungi in a potential network. From the mycocentric perspective, however, the distribution of plant links to fungi was scale-free, suggesting that certain fungus species may act as hubs with frequent connections to the network. Parallels exist between social networks and mycorrhizas that suggest future lines of study on mycorrhizal networks.

Diversity and zonal distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains

“…The high mycorrhizal colonization rates found in all 4 zonal types indicate that AM fungi may play an important role in the ecology of the host plants. Extensive mycorrhizal hyphal networks in the soil may provide an important pathway for the flow of nutrients and energy between plants [37][38][39][40] . However, the mycorrhizal colonization rate differed among host plant species and vegetation types; the mycorrhizal colonization rate of the same plant species varied among the vegetations zones.…”

Beyond Mutualism: Complex Mycorrhizal Interactions

“…In plant-fungal interactions, complex systems include more players, more interactions, and emergent properties , Southworth et al 2005Southworth 2012). Complexity refers to nonlinear relationships, networks, feedback loops, multiple interactions at single and multiple trophic levels, and functional uncertainty or variability.…”

From Lilliput to Brobdingnag: Extending Models of Mycorrhizal Function across Scales

“…(Molofsky and Bever 2004) will enable investigators to explore the ecological and evolutionary consequences of mycorrhizal networks (Southworth et al 2005) and metacommunity structure (Leibold et al 2004) over time. Once embedded in a spatial context, this type of integrative simulation model can also be expected to produce results consistent with community feedback models.…”