# Manipulation of soil mycorrhizal fungi influences floral traits

- Link: https://rd2.co.nz/manipulation-of-soil-mycorrhizal-fungi-influences-floral-traits/
- Published: 2024-10-31T00:38:20+00:00
- Author: RSF Admin

A large body of evidence supports the hypothesis that microbial mutualisms directly
contribute to plant fitness (Koide, 2000). However, the hypothesis that microbial
partnerships could indirectly affect plant fitness through interactions with other
key ecosystem players, such pollinators, is relatively new…

## Summary of findings

 * Most plants form root hyphal relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, especially
   arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These associations are known to positively
   impact plant biomass and competitive ability. However, less is known about how
   mycorrhizas impact other ecological interactions, such as those mediated by pollinators.
 * We performed a meta-regression of studies that manipulated AMF and measured traits
   related to pollination, including floral display size, rewards, visitation, and
   reproduction, extracting 63 studies with 423 effects.
 * On average, the presence of mycorrhizas was associated with positive effects 
   on floral traits. Specifically, we found impacts of AMF on floral display size,
   pollinator visitation and reproduction, and a positive but nonsignificant impact
   on rewards. Studies manipulating mycorrhizas with fungicide tended to report 
   contrasting results, possibly because fungicide destroys both beneficial and 
   pathogenic microbes.
 * Our study highlights the potential for relationships with mycorrhizal fungi to
   play an important, yet underrecognized role in plant–pollinator interactions.
   With heightened awareness of the need for a more sustainable agricultural industry,
   mycorrhizal fungi may offer the opportunity to reduce reliance on inorganic fertilizers.
   At the same time, fungicides are now ubiquitous in agricultural systems. Our 
   study demonstrates indirect ways in which plant-belowground fungal partnerships
   could manifest in plant–pollinator interactions.

[READ FULL REPORT](https://rd2.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/New-Phytologist-2024-Hyjazie-Manipulation-of-soil-mycorrhizal-fungi-influences-floral-traits.pdf)