The costs and benefits of symbiotic interactions: variable effects of rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizae on Vigna radiata accessions
Journal
BMC Plant Biology
Journal Volume
24
Journal Issue
1
ISSN
1471-2229
Date Issued
2024-08-15
Author(s)
DOI
10.1186/s12870-024-05488-5
Abstract
Background: The symbiosis among plants, rhizobia, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is one of the most well-known symbiotic relationships in nature. However, it is still unclear how bilateral/tripartite symbiosis works under resource-limited conditions and the diverse genetic backgrounds of the host. Results: Using a full factorial design, we manipulated mungbean accessions/subspecies, rhizobia, and AMF to test their effects on each other. Rhizobia functions as a typical facilitator by increasing plant nitrogen content, plant weight, chlorophyll content, and AMF colonization. In contrast, AMF resulted in a tradeoff in plants (reducing biomass for phosphorus acquisition) and behaved as a competitor in reducing rhizobia fitness (nodule weight). Plant genotype did not have a significant effect on AMF fitness, but different mungbean accessions had distinct rhizobia affinities. In contrast to previous studies, the positive relationship between plant and rhizobia fitness was attenuated in the presence of AMF, with wild mungbean being more responsive to the beneficial effect of rhizobia and attenuation by AMF. Conclusions: We showed that this complex tripartite relationship does not unconditionally benefit all parties. Moreover, rhizobia species and host genetic background affect the symbiotic relationship significantly. This study provides a new opportunity to re-evaluate the relationships between legume plants and their symbiotic partners.
Subjects
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus
Fitness
Heritability
Multiple mutualist effects
Mungbean accessions
Mutualism
Rhizobia
Symbiosis
Synergetic effects
Vigna radiata
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Description
Article number 780
Type
journal article