General principles in the community ecology of ectomycorrhizal fungi

Introduction Knowledge of the factors that determine ectomycorrhizal fungal community structure is essential in many areas of practical significance including conservation, habitat restoration, prevention or amelioration of species invasions, and the prediction of responses to climate change. With respect to these goals, however, community ecology, in general, and ectomycorrhizal fungal community ecology, in particular, have been rather disappointing. Discussion Indeed, some feel that community ecology is, at best, an esoteric discipline and, at worst, an inane one. But there is hope. As we apply what has been learned about other organisms concerning the relationships between functional traits and success (abundance), it may be possible to elucidate general principles that govern much of the structuring of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities. Conclusion A hierarchical model of ectomycorrhizal fungal community structure is presented that involves abiotic filtering of immigrant propagules based on functional traits, followed by interspecific competition as ameliorated by disturbance and habitat partitioning, the outcomes of which are dependent on functional traits.