Pinaceae Invasions in Southern South America

Our study addresses biological invasions of ectomycorrhizal plant species and investigates the ability of ectomycorrhizal fungi that co-invade with host plants to alter biotic and abiotic elements of the invaded ecosystem. We address this question using the invasion of ectomycorrhizal pine family trees (Pinaceae) into natural stands of ectomycorrhizal southern beech trees (Nothofagus spp.) in Southern South America (SSA). Pinaceae invasions are an issue of great concern in the Southern Hemisphere where Pinaceae trees are not naturally occurring but are rapidly expanding their populations after escape from plantations. Very little is known regarding the effects of ectomycorrhizal tree invasions upon native microbial communities and our project makes a tangible contribution toward a better understanding of this issue. Our work provides insight into how ectomycorrhizal plant invasions alter biogeochemical cycling as well as the microbial communities upon which native plant growth and nutrition depend.