Do mycorrhizal fungi create below-ground links between native plants and Acacia longifolia ? A case study in a coastal maritime pine forest in Portugal

摘要: Abstract. Maritime pine forests are a major ecosystem throughout the Portuguese coast and severely affected by the invasion of Acacia longifolia. The presented study investigated diversity ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) plant species in these ecosystems to find possible links between Pinus pinaster, three native Cistaceae shrubs the Acacia invasive species. We successfully identified 13 ECM fungal taxa. Within those, two from order Helotiales were found all plant species, over half fungal ECM pinaster also common shrubs. Network analysis points to the having central role below-ground communities, therefore enforcing idea that they key communities and should not be underestimated. Our results point evolving role of dynamics rhizosphere, which host plants, although it is not yet clear whether taxa or consequence presence of Acacia longifolia.