Recent studies have shown effects of host plant genetics on community and ecosystem processes, which makes understanding the impacts of genetically based traits on hidden or non-apparent organisms more important. Here we examined links among genetic variation in hybrid cottonwoods, plant phytochemistry, and twig fungal endophytes (i.e., a common hidden organism). We found three major patterns: (1) twig fungal endophyte infection was positively related to the introgression of Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii S. Wats.) RFLP genetic markers, (2) condensed tannin concentration in twig bark tissue was negatively correlated to the introgression of Fremont genetic markers, and (3) fungal endophyte infection was negatively related to condensed tannin concentration in twig bark. These data demonstrate that plant genotype can impact hidden ecological players (i.e., fungal endophytes) resulting in community and ecosystem consequences. © 2005 NRC Canada.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Biological Sciences
Research Group:	Ecology
Research Field:	Community ecology (excl. invasive species ecology)
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences
UTAS Author:	Bailey, J (Associate Professor Joe Bailey)
UTAS Author:	Schweitzer, J (Dr Jen Schweitzer)
ID Code:	73667
Year Published:	2005
Web of Science® Times Cited:	88
Deposited By:	Research Division
Deposited On:	2011-10-19
Last Modified:	2011-10-19
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