Nitrogen Uptake, Not Transfer of Carbon and Nitrogen by CMN, Explains the Effect of AMF on the Competitive Interactions Between Flaveria bidentis and Native Species

Rhizophagus intraradices , one of the common arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) grown in roots Flaveria bidentis facilitates invasion this exotic plant species into China. However, it is still unknown whether nutrient transfer through networks (CMN) between and native enhances competitive growth F. over species. To elucidate question related mechanism, an isotopic labeling technique was used to test carbon (C) nitrogen (N) by CMN. Native like Setaria viridis Eclipta prostrata were selected compete with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) box. Two groups ( - S. E. ), three treatments (monoculture mixture plant, monoculture plant), two levels AMF (presence or absence) assigned. Results showed that corrected index relative competition intensity (CRCI) presence < 0 suggests facilitated either . The reason inoculation R. intra radices significantly increased C N contents mixtures. effects on different: negative effect positive change content consistent variation biomass, suggesting uptake explains interactions Moreover, via hyphal links did occur CMN not positively