Unearthing belowground invaders: Insights from invasive ectomycorrhizal fungi in Southern South America

POLICELLI NAHUEL

Leticia

Simposio; III International Symposium: Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in South America; 2023

South American Mycorrhizal Research Network

Multiple hypotheses are currently being discussed to understand the success or failure of biological invasions, which represent significant ecological and socio-economic challenges worldwide. Despite accumulated evidence, it remains unclear why some populations of non-native species can invade while others cannot. Recent evidence highlights the crucial role of soil microorganisms in determining the outcome of plant invasions. In the case of non-native woody plants, ectomycorrhizal fungi can either facilitate or impede the invasion process. For instance, we have observed that some non-native fungi introduced into native communities have invasive traits that partially explain the invasiveness of their plant symbionts. This conference aims to explore the role of ectomycorrhizal symbiosis in the success of woody plants’ invasion and the potential impact of non-native invasive fungi on native soil mycobiota. Specifically, I will summarize current evidence on ectomycorrhizal fungi invasions in temperate forests from Southern South America and present new hypothesis to shed light on the role of these fungi in drylands from Patagonia. I will emphasize the need to integrate mycology, plant ecology, genetics, invasion ecology, and bioinformatics, encompassing laboratory experiments and field sampling, to be able to answer questions that leverage fungal invasions in South America as an ideal study system to explore fungal ecological traits. This approach allows us to generate evidence that enhance our understanding of the invasion of woody plants. In turn, it contributes to improving current management plans for invasive plant species by considering their belowground effects. By untangling the belowground mechanisms of biological invasions, we aim to predict invasion conditions more accurately, comprehend their impact on native systems, and enhance their management, thereby preventing economic losses and biodiversity decline.