Variation in root and soil fungal communities associated with the tropical conifer Podocarpus in Panama

Astrid Ferrer
Astrid Ferrer
Panama
Cohort:
2024
project abstract

The Podocarpaceae is a family of conifers that occurs in closed canopy forests throughout the tropics, typically on isolated patches of low fertility soil. The basis for this association is unclear. However, among their adaptations to nutrient limitation is the presence of nodulated fine roots. While there is no convincing evidence that N fixation takes place in these structures, preliminary results show nodules are heavily colonized by fungi including arbuscular mycorrhizas and abundant Leotiomycetes. We will take advantage of the diverse habitats occupied by podocarp species in Panama to sequence and identify symbionts present in roots and surrounding soil at six sites on coastal Caribbean and Pacific islands, and in lowland and montane forests. These sites represent almost the full range of climate types in which Podocarpus occur in the tropics. We will also determine whether nodules support fungal communities that are distinct from adjacent un-nodulated fine root sections. Our research team includes graduate students and Panamanian collaborators engaged in the conservation and management of Panama’s rare plants. The results of this study will provide insights into nodule function in podocarps and into how these unusual plants have survived in angiosperm dominated tropical forests.