Work

Resource Allocation Trade‐Offs and Rewired Mycorrhizal Networks Underlie the Adaptation of Paphiopedilum purpuratum to Ex Situ Conservation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This study reveals how the rare orchid Paphiopedilum purpuratum adapts to ex situ conservation. Although seed production was significantly increased, the plants incurred physiological costs: reduced photosynthesis and higher oxidative stress. Importantly, host physiology—particularly nitrogen metabolism—directly influenced root fungal communities. This drove two distinct adaptive strategies in the fungal community. Mycorrhizal fungi maintained stable communities by reorganizing their interaction networks into resilient multi‐cluster structures. In contrast, non‐mycorrhizal fungi exhibited high species turnover, shifting toward beneficial taxa that potentially suppress pathogens. These findings highlight that successful ex situ conservation must address both the plant physiological trade‐offs and its restructured root microbiomes. We propose that the orchid's resilience relies on a multi‐level microbial adaptation strategy, combining a reorganized yet stable mycorrhizal core with a dynamic, beneficial non‐mycorrhizal periphery. Our work offers a new framework for protecting rare orchids—one that prioritizes sustaining these complementary fungal partnerships to ensure long‐term survival.

Source: Biological Diversity

DOI: 10.1002/bod2.70022

Authors: Yong Tan, Junxi Liang, Wentao Wang, Jianing Tian, Qifei Yi

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, South China Botanical Garden, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering

Language: English

Topic: Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province