The plant–mycorrhizal fungi collaboration gradient depends on plant functional group

Plant colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is widespread and can offer considerable benefits in terms of growth, nutrient uptake plant yield. However, it still unresolved how different species functional groups respond to AMF taxa. Here we established 336 grassland microcosms determine the response 14 displaying contrasting (grasses, legumes non-leguminous forbs) for presence three For each species, calculated degree which growth depended on (i.e. dependency [MD]). We also determined relied specific taxa optimal sensitivity [MSS]). Additionally, whether MD MSS correlated traits root length [SRL], leaf area [SLA]). The ranged from −84.9% a non-mycorrhizal (Luzula campestris) +94.0% legume (Trifolium arvensis). was systematically higher (91.9% ± 2.4%), followed forbs (77.1% 11.06) grasses (42.1% 15.73%). less variable (8.9%–37.7%); independent group did not correlate with MD. linked various parameters, including (R2 = +0.80) total dry biomass +0.32). Moreover, among plants (n 12), negatively SRL −0.24) positively SLA +0.24). Synthesis. This study shows that relying production show colonization, lower SRL, are interlinked way AMF. Overall, this further demonstrates vary their Read free Plain Language Summary article Journal blog.