Impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on Conyza canadensis drought responses and possible mechanisms

Author

Kian G.M. Speck, University of Montana, MissoulaFollow
Ylva Lekberg, University of Montana, Missoula
Anna Sala, University of Montana, Missoula

Graduation Year

2021

Graduation Month

May

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

School or Department

Forestry and Conservation

Major

Wildland Restoration – Terrestrial

Faculty Mentor Department

Forestry and Conservation, College of

Faculty Mentor

Cara Nelson

Faculty Reader(s)

Ylva Lekberg, Anna Sala

Keywords

arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Conyza canadensis, drought tolerance, nutrient concentrations, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance

Subject Categories

Botany | Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology | Plant Biology | Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology | Weed Science

Abstract

• Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are important plant mutualists that can facilitate plant responses to various environmental stressors, such as drought. A plant that may benefit from AMF-induced drought tolerance is Conyza canadensis due to its ability to thrive in dry conditions and its high colonization rate. However, no studies have researched C. canadensis in this context and the exact mechanisms of AMF-induced drought tolerance are still unknown.
• To better understand if and how AMF facilitate drought response in C. canadensis, we conducted a greenhouse experiment comparing the response of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants to three watering levels. We measured dry biomass, water content, leaf water potential, photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance, and shoot N and P concentrations.
• AMF improved plant performance under drought, and the magnitude of that improvement was modulated by the severity of drought imposed. We showed that AMF upregulate stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, and increase P uptake.
• In conclusion, we find that AMF protect Conyza from the most severe drought stress, and that this response is likely mediated by increased stomatal control and nutrient uptake. Colonization led to biomass reductions, which suggests AMF benefit C. canadensis more in the way of drought tolerance and nutrient uptake, rather than improving growth.

Honors College Research Project

No

GLI Capstone Project

no

Recommended Citation

Speck, Kian G.M.; Lekberg, Ylva; and Sala, Anna, "Impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on Conyza canadensis drought responses and possible mechanisms" (2021). Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts. 338.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/utpp/338