Idiosyncratic responses to simulated herbivory by root fungal symbionts in a subarctic meadow

Plant-associated fungi have elementary roles in ecosystem productivity. There is little information on the interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal symbiosis, fine endophytic (FE) and dark septate (DSE) fungi, their host plants cold climate systems. In particular, environmental filters potentially driving relative abundance of these root symbionts remain unknown. We investigated interlinkage plant belowground responses to simulated herbivory (clipping, fertilization, trampling) a subarctic meadow system. AM FE frequency two target roots, Potentilla crantzii Saussurea alpina, was unaffected by herbivory, highlighting importance resilience arbuscule forming mycorrhizas range conditions. Fertilization trampling increased DSE colonization P. roots although generally performance reduced plots. The idiosyncratic our experiment indicate that identity has pivotal role fungus–plant outcome. did not respond manipulations manner similar mycorrhizas, suggesting they different ecology.