Data from: Topology of tree-mycorrhizal fungus interaction networks in xeric and mesic Douglas-fir forests

Tuberculate mycorrhizas were sampled in six 10 × 10 m plots with either xeric or mesic soil moisture regimes. Microsatellite DNA markers were used to identify tree and fungal genotypes isolated from mycorrhizas and for comparison with reference tree boles above-ground. 4. In all six plots, trees and fungal genets were highly interconnected.

Size asymmetries between different tree cohorts led to non-random MN topologies, while differences in size and connectivity between Rhizopogon species-specific subnetwork components contributed towards MN nestedness. Large mature trees acted as network hubs with a significantly higher node degree compared to smaller trees. MNs representing trees linked by R. vinicolor genets were mostly nested within larger, more highly connected R. vesiculosus-linked MNs. 5.

Attributes of network nodes showed that hub trees were more important to MN topology on xeric than mesic sites, but the emergent structures of MNs were similar in the two soil moisture regimes. 6. Synthesis. This study suggests MNs formed between interior Douglas-fir trees and R. vesiculosus and R. vinicolor genets are resilient to the random loss of participants, and to soil water stress, but may be susceptible to the loss of large trees or fungal genets.

Our results regarding the topology of MNs contribute to the understanding of forest stand dynamics and the resilience of forests to stress or disturbance.

Usage notes

Beiler,etal_Datapack_JEcol-2014-0405.R2 Sample location and genetic data from: Topology of tree-mycorrhizal fungus interaction networks in xeric and mesic Douglas-fir forests