Author:
Ngubane Nombuso P.,Dreyer Leanne L.,Slippers Bernard,Kemler Martin,Witfeld Frederick,Begerow Dominik,Brachmann Andreas,Roets Francois
Abstract
Abstract
Context
Land use change can significantly affect plant-fungal interactions.
Objectives
We assessed how fungal endophytes within African wild olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata) twigs are influenced by different levels of land use change and differences in surrounding vegetation types.
Methods
Twigs were sampled in the Western Cape Province (South Africa) and their fungal endophyte assemblages were characterised using culture-independent DNA metabarcoding. We assessed the effects of land use change (natural, semi-natural and planted (completely transformed)) and differences in surrounding vegetation types (grasses/low-growing plants versus shrubs/trees versus other olives) using fungal endophyte alpha and beta diversity measures. Co-occurrence networks were constructed to assess assemblage connectivity under different scenarios and to identify OTUs of potential ecological significance.
Results
OTU richness, but not abundance, was significantly influenced by both land use change and differences in the surrounding vegetation types. Planted African olives and those surrounded by heterospecific trees harboured the highest OTU richness. Only levels of land use change significantly influenced fungal endophyte assemblage composition. Specifically, fungal assemblages from natural habitats were distinct from those in planted and semi-natural habitats, which were similar to each other. Co-occurrence network analyses revealed that cohesive and species rich networks could only be maintained within the natural habitats.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that although the African olive is widespread, the identity and composition of their associated fungal assemblages are particularly sensitive to land use change. This study highlights the importance of conserving natural habitats, not just for the plants, but also for the maintenance of their associated fungal endophytes.
Funder
DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Plant Health Biotechnology
Stellenbosch University
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Nature and Landscape Conservation,Ecology,Geography, Planning and Development
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