Author(s): Pazianoto, Laryssa H. R. ; Solla, Alejandro ; Ferreira, Verónica
Date: 2019
Persistent ID: https://hdl.handle.net/10316/98649
Origin: Estudo Geral - Universidade de Coimbra
Subject(s): Castanea sativa; Microbial-driven litter processing; Phytophthora cinnamomi; Plant pathogen; Streams
Riparian forests are subjected to multiple disturbances, such as tree diseases caused by invasive pathogens, whose consequences on stream functioning are unknown. We assessed the impact of Phytophthora cinnamomi infection, and interactions with temperature, on microbial decomposition of Castanea sativa leaves. Leaves from healthy, symptomatic and highly symptomatic trees were incubated in the laboratory at 13 and 18 C for 64 d. Infection significantly increased polyphenolic concentration and leaf toughness, reducing leaf decomposition and microbial respiration rates irrespective of temperature. Aquatic hyphomycete communities differed significantly in leaves from highly symptomatic trees. Fungal biomass was highest at 18 C, irrespective of tree health status. None of the parameters were influenced by the tree health status temperature interaction, suggesting that temperature rise may not synergistically increase the cross-ecosystem effects caused by P. cinnamomi in streams where litter decomposition is microbial-driven. Infection by P. cinnamomi alters the nutritional quality of leaves affecting the functioning of aquatic ecosystems.
3F10-AC72-52D0 | Verónica Ferreira
info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion
