The diversity and function of plant : fungal symbioses
Event details
| Date | 16.11.2009 |
| Hour | 16:15 |
| Speaker | Dr David Johnson |
| Location |
GR B3 30
|
| Category | Conferences - Seminars |
The roots of virtually all land plants are colonised by symbiotic fungi that have key roles in regulating terrestrial biogeochemical cycles, plant competition and ecosystem functioning. This symbiosis is one fo the most ancient, widespread and important. In this talk I will outline our current understanding of the functioning and diversity of these so called "mycorrhizal fungi". I will then go to 1) describe results from experiments using stable isotopes of carbon to quantify resource transfers from plant to fungus in upland grassland, 2) discuss how these fungi interact with other soil organisms, 3) show how the diversity and function of mycorrhizal fungi is shaped by plant community composition, and 4) demonstrate the role mycorrhizal fungal diversity for regulating ecosystem functioning.
Links
Practical information
- General public
- Free
Contact
- B. Tinguely