The local environment determines the assembly of root endophytic fungi at a continental scale

摘要: Root endophytic fungi are found in a great variety of plants and ecosystems, but the ecological drivers their biogeographic distribution poorly understood. Here, we investigate occurrence root endophytes non-mycorrhizal plant genus Microthlaspi, effect environmental factors geographic distance structuring communities at continental scale. We sampled 52 populations across northern Mediterranean central Europe used cultivation approach to study communities. Cultivation roots yielded 2601 isolates, which were grouped into 296 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) by internal transcribed spacer sequencing 1998 representative colonies. Climatic spatial best descriptors structure communities, outweighing soil characteristics, host genotype geographical distance. OTU richness was negatively affected precipitation, composition followed latitudinal gradients precipitation temperature. Only six widespread OTUs belonging orders Pleosporales, Hypocreales Helotiales represented about 50% all isolates. Assessments individual revealed particular preferences or cosmopolitan occurrence. Our findings support strong influence local environment determining show different niche occupancy endophytes.