The structural and functional roles of orchids-fungus interactions in shaping orchid coexistence across diverse sites.

Sophie MENNICKEN, MSc.

Disertační práce

New insights into niche partitioning of coexisting terrestrial orchids: functional traits shaping orchid-fungus interactions

Abstract:

This thesis investigates the role of orchid mycorrhizal fungi in the coexistence of orchids through the prism of their constant involvement in the resource acquisition of orchids. I aimed to examine the biotic and abiotic factors influencing orchid-fungus interactions to gain new insights into niche partitioning for resources, reflected in the spatial patterns and orchid community assembly in two different climatic regions. The four main chapters provide an overview of different methods to answer these aims, including isolation and cultivation of fungal strains, fungal barcoding, phylogenetic and network analyses, spatial statistics, and in vitro fungal functional traits measurements. In addition, the preferential use of quantitative data and weighted diversity indices brings interesting methodological aspects by considering the strength of the interactions. My thesis demonstrates that mycorrhizal fungi are key drivers of the structure of orchid species communities.

Abstract:

This thesis investigates the role of orchid mycorrhizal fungi in the coexistence of orchids through the prism of their constant involvement in the resource acquisition of orchids. I aimed to examine the biotic and abiotic factors influencing orchid-fungus interactions to gain new insights into niche partitioning for resources, reflected in the spatial patterns and orchid community assembly in two different climatic regions. The four main chapters provide an overview of different methods to answer these aims, including isolation and cultivation of fungal strains, fungal barcoding, phylogenetic and network analyses, spatial statistics, and in vitro fungal functional traits measurements. In addition, the preferential use of quantitative data and weighted diversity indices brings interesting methodological aspects by considering the strength of the interactions. My thesis demonstrates that mycorrhizal fungi are key drivers of the structure of orchid species communities.

Keywords

Orchidaceae, orchid mycorrhizal fungi, Tulasnellaceae, Ceratobasidiaceae, Serendipitaceae, metabarcoding, bipartite network, interaction specialization, spatial distribution, fungal phylogeny, nutrient utilization.

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 23. 7. 2024

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedoucí: doc. RNDr. Jana Jersáková, Ph.D.

JIHOČESKÁ UNIVERZITA V ČESKÝCH BUDĚJOVICÍCH

Přírodovědecká fakulta

Doktorský studijní program / obor:
Biology / Ecosystem Biology