Partial mycoheterotrophy is common among chlorophyllous plants with Paris-type arbuscular mycorrhiza

Background and Aims An arbuscular mycorrhiza is a mutualistic symbiosis with plants as carbon providers for fungi. However, achlorophyllous arbuscular mycorrhizal species are known to obtain carbon from fungi, i.e. they are mycoheterotrophic. These species all have the Paris type of arbuscular mycorrhiza. Recently, two chlorophyllous Paris-type species proved to be partially mycoheterotrophic. In this study, we explore the frequency of this condition and its association with Paris-type arbuscular mycorrhiza. Methods We searched for evidence of mycoheterotrophy in all currently published C-13, H-2 and N-15 stable isotope abundance patterns suited for calculations of enrichment factors, i.e. isotopic differences between neighbouring Paris- and Arum-type species. We found suitable data for 135 plant species classified into the two arbuscular mycorrhizal morphotypes. Key Results About half of the chlorophyllous Paris-type species tested were significantly enriched in C-13 and often also enriched in H-2 and N-15, compared with co-occurring Arum-type species. Based on a two-source linear mixing model, the carbon gain from the fungal source ranged between 7 and 93 % with ferns > horsetails > seed plants. The seed plants represented 13 families, many without a previous record of mycoheterotrophy. The C-13-enriched chlorophyllous Paris-type species were exclusively herbaceous perennials, with a majority of them thriving on shady forest ground. Conclusions Significant carbon acquisition from fungi appears quite common and widespread among Paris-type species, this arbuscular mycorrhizal morphotype probably being a pre-condition for developing varying degrees of mycoheterotrophy.

Automated summary

About half of the chlorophyllous Paris-type species tested showed significant carbon enrichment from fungi, with seed plants exhibiting the highest carbon gain. These species are mainly herbaceous perennials thriving on shady forest ground.