Beware of the fungi: their role in the seed bank of Nassella trichotoma in its native range.
Saved in:
| Title: | Beware of the fungi: their role in the seed bank of Nassella trichotoma in its native range. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Angeletti, Bárbara1 (AUTHOR) bangeletti@cerzos-conicet.gob.ar, Anderson, Freda E.1 (AUTHOR) anderson@criba.edu.ar, Loydi, Alejandro1,2 (AUTHOR) aloydi@cerzos-conicet.gob.ar |
| Source: | Plant Ecology. Apr2026, Vol. 227 Issue 4, p1-13. 13p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Fungi, *Soil seed banks, *Soil microbiology, *Plant-soil relationships, *Biological invasions, *Grasses, *Seed viability, *Germination |
| Geographic Terms: | South America, Argentina, Buenos Aires (Argentina : Province) |
| Abstract: | Background and aims: Soil seed banks are vital for the persistence of plant populations, and are largely shaped by soil biota. We investigated the role of fungi in modulating the persistence of the seed bank of Nassella trichotoma (Poaceae), a grass native to South America and a problematic invasive weed in other parts of the world. Methods A long-term burial experiment (32 months) was carried out in southwest Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, to evaluate the effect of fungal colonization on seed viability and persistence. In addition, soil seed banks were evaluated at five sites across a precipitation gradient. Seed abundance, condition, viability, and fungal infection were all recorded and relationships with vegetation cover and microhabitat features were analyzed. Results Buried seeds remained viable after 32 months, confirming the persistent nature of the seed bank in Argentina. However, fungal infection significantly reduced germination. Observed disease symptoms included necrotic seed coats, spots and discolorations. Seed bank densities ranged from 637 to 2037 seeds m⁻² values that are lower than those recorded in the invaded range. Our results suggest that local microhabitat factors influence fungal activity more than regional precipitation. Conclusion Soil fungi appear to act as regulators of the seed bank of this species in its native range by reducing seed viability and germination. These interactions are context-dependent and our findings provide novel evidence from the species' native range and highlight the importance of plant–soil interactions in invasion ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Database: | Energy & Power Source |
Be the first to leave a comment!
