Data from: Manipulation of soil mycorrhizal fungi Influences floral display traits

Most plants form root hyphal relationships with mycorrhizal fungi,
especially arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These associations are
known to positively impact plant biomass and competitive ability. However,
less is known about how mycorrhizae may impact other ecological
interactions, such as those mediated by pollinators. We performed a
meta-regression of studies that manipulated AMF and measured traits
related to pollination, including floral display, rewards, visitation, and
reproduction, extracting 63 studies with 423 effects. On average, the
presence of mycorrhizae was associated with positive effects on floral
traits. Specifically, we found impacts of AMF on floral display,
pollinator visitation and reproduction, and a positive but non-significant
impact on rewards. Studies manipulating mycorrhizae with fungicide tended
to report contrasting results, possibly because fungicide destroys both
beneficial and pathogenic microbes. Our study highlights the potential for
relationships with mycorrhizal fungi to play an important, yet
underrecognized role in plant-pollinator interactions. With heightened
awareness of the need for a more sustainable agricultural industry,
mycorrhizal fungi may offer the opportunity to reduce reliance on
inorganic fertilizers. At the same time, fungicides are now ubiquitous in
agricultural systems. Our study demonstrates indirect ways in which
plant-belowground fungal partnerships could manifest in plant-pollinator
interactions.