Growing Research Networks on Mycorrhizae for Mutual Benefits

Abstract

Research on mycorrhizal interactions has traditionally developed into separate disciplines addressing different organizational levels. This separation has led to an incomplete understanding of mycorrhizal functioning. Integration of mycorrhiza research at different scales is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying the context dependency of mycorrhizal associations, and to use mycorrhizae for solving environmental issues. Here, we provide a road map for the integration of mycorrhiza research into a unique framework that spans genes to ecosystems. Using two key topics, we identify parallels in mycorrhiza research at different organizational levels. Based on two current projects, we show how scientific integration creates synergies, and discuss future directions. Only by overcoming disciplinary boundaries, we will achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the functioning of mycorrhizal associations.

Tree Root Zone Microbiome: Exploring the Magnitude of Environmental Conditions and Host Tree Impact

“…These studies were through microcosm experiments using micro-cuttings of the oak clone DF159 (Quercus robur L.) with different analytic approaches including transcriptomics (Herrmann et al, 1998(Herrmann et al, , 2015(Herrmann et al, , 2016Tarkka et al, 2013). More recently, clonal saplings regenerated from DF159 were planted in TERENO 1 field sites as "phytometers" (Herrmann et al, 2016;Ferlian et al, 2018), i.e., standardized plants transplanted into different environments to serve as 1 www.tereno.net environmental measuring "instruments" (Dietrich, 2013). The tree phytometer system using clone DF159 is called "PhytOakmeter" (Ferlian et al, 2018).…”

“…More recently, clonal saplings regenerated from DF159 were planted in TERENO 1 field sites as "phytometers" (Herrmann et al, 2016;Ferlian et al, 2018), i.e., standardized plants transplanted into different environments to serve as 1 www.tereno.net environmental measuring "instruments" (Dietrich, 2013). The tree phytometer system using clone DF159 is called "PhytOakmeter" (Ferlian et al, 2018). A few years after outplant in the field, the PhytOakmeter saplings have been shown to exert an impact on the biological activity in their surrounding soil (Eisenhauer et al, 2018).…”

Cross‐scale integration of mycorrhizal function

“…Recently, Ferlian et al . () pointed out that ‘ this historic partitioning [iMMM / ICOM] into separate fields sometimes hinders a comprehensive understanding of how mycorrhizae function ’. In the future, we should explore ways to re‐unify our community to better integrate the molecular knowledge with field ecology and provide opportunities to early career researchers to embrace all the facets of the complex mycorrhizal associations.…”

Coming to Common Ground: The Challenges of Applying Ecological Theory Developed Aboveground to Rhizosphere Interactions

“…While it is difficult to sample soils with minimal disturbances, emerging techniques may allow for quantification of root traits and other belowground measurements using non-destructive techniques such as X-ray tomography . We propose that the integrated use of different molecular and metabolomic methodologies in semi-artificial and field conditions will be the most promising approach in shedding light onto the great number of yet unrevealed processes in the rhizosphere (Ferlian et al, 2018).…”