Mycoheterotrophy evolved from mixotrophic ancestors: evidence in Cymbidium (Orchidaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Nutritional changes associated with the evolution of achlorophyllous, mycoheterotrophic plants have not previously been inferred with robust phylogenetic hypotheses. Variations in heterotrophy in accordance with the evolution of leaflessness were examined using a chlorophyllous-achlorophyllous species pair in Cymbidium (Orchidaceae), within a well studied phylogenetic background.

Methods

To estimate the level of mycoheterotrophy in chlorophyllous and achlorophyllous Cymbidium, natural (13)C and (15)N contents (a proxy for the level of heterotrophy) were measured in four Cymbidium species and co-existing autotrophic and mycoheterotrophic plants and ectomycorrhizal fungi from two Japanese sites.

Key results

δ(13)C and δ(15)N values of the achlorophyl

SUBMITTER: Motomura H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2944979 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature