Download ecology of ectomycorrhizal associations

ECOLOGY OF ECTOMYCORRHIZAL ASSOCIATIONS –
RESEARCH IN NATURAL CONDITIONS
D. Veselkin
Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ekaterinburg, Russia
Obligate mycotrophysm (fungi-depended nutrition) of the tree-plants from temperate
zone is important characteristic its biology and ecology. Actually, in nature, it is not exists really
and adapts for environment single plant, but symbiotic systems “plant – ectomycorrhizal fungi”.
Accedence in a symbiosis amplifies adaptive ability both partners and permits them to play
dominate role in forest ecosystems.
Mechanism of the interrelation of trees with ectomycorrhizal fungi and different effects
this interrelation is intensive studied, but now it is not enough information about way for
achievement of symbiotic effect in natural condition. We have studied reaction ectomycorrhizas
on environmental changes with several ecological gradients – range adjoin ecotope and use for it
complex anatomic featured of ectomycorrhizal tips which estimates fettle of each symbiont.
Object of studies is ectomycorrhizas of the boreal coniferous trees (Pinus, Picea, Abies).
Determinate that construction of ectomycorrhizal tips is specific for different species of trees and
characterized considerable variability. “Fine tuning” of tree absorbing apparat on actual
ecological condition is executed by two modus. First modus: changes in ratio of ectomycorrhizal
tips with fungal mantles of different structure (analogy – changes of species list in biological
community). Second modus: changes of symbiont dimension and vitality. It, generally, brings to
changes in ratio them volume (analogy – changes in a level of development and vitality of
separate species individuals in ecological gradients). According our data, increasing of fungal
component significance of the ectomycorrhizas is observed under deterioration of edaphic
condition or linked with increase of press on absorbing organs of plants.
The above allow to impeach a fact about appropriateness of absolute contraposition of the
ecological functions controlled autotrophic (plants) and heterotrophic (symbiotic fungi)
organisms.
The work is carried out at support RFBR: projects №№ 04-04-96104 and 04-04-96107.