Session 3: Assembly, traits, and interactions in plant–fungal co-invasions

Pre symposium workshop - Metabarcoding and Metagenomics, powerful tools to explore the ecological dimension of biological invasions

Exploring re-introduced Pyrenean bear diet and their importance for plant and fungi potential (co) dispersal
G. Pauly, S. Delorme, T. Daufresne, P.-Y.Quenette, A. Pelozuelo, A. -S. Benoiston, L. Moreau, C. Baltzinger, J. Sentilles, C. Vanpé, M. Roy
International Research Laboratory Institut Franco-Argentin de Estudios sobre el Clima y sus Impactos - IRL IFAECI/CNRS-CONICET-UBA-IRD Universidad de Buenos Aires, FCEN C1428EGA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires - Argentina

The role of animals as vectors of fungal dispersion has recently been revealed in many ecosystems, showing the importance of birds but also small mammals. On the other hand, large omnivore mammals have the potential to transport diverse plants and fungi, present in their environment. In Europe, the re-introduction of bear in the Pyrénées provides an interesting case to study the impact of large mammals on plant and fungi dispersal. Bears are omnivores, have a long-distance dispersal range, and produce feces recognizable and able to be identified at the individual level. Through a multi-taxa metabarcoding analyses of 80 bear feces, we explored the omnivore diet of Pyrenean bears. Considering mycorrhizal partners, mostly Ectomycorrhizal Mycorrhizal Fungi (EMF) were sequenced, including some hypogeous fungi whose spores are potentially more adapted to digestion. Both AM and EM plants were detected by metabarcoding, notably Fagaceae, but germination tests rather confirmed the dispersal of Ericaceae and Rosaceae plants – associated to both AM, EM, and Ericoid Mycorrhizal Fungi. Experimental tests are in process to highlight the potential co-dispersal of at least a few mycorrhizal fungi and endophytes, and therefore illustrate how the metabarcoding of large mammals’ feces could reveal potential (co) dispersal of plant-fungi mutualisms.