Project title

Light-driven host-symbiont interactions under global warming induced host range shifts

(1) It was researched how southern forest tree populations grow in the northern light climate? In addition, the study concerned if light may effect on fungal symbionts through host tree? Southern climate was simulated experimentally into Kevo, North Lapland. Because of the specific experimental design, it was possible to focus only on the effects of light environment. (2) Blue light was also removed from spectrum by orange plexiglass. (3) Blue light was also supplied with LEDs. Fungus from Mid-Finland was added to seedling pots in all experiments. Seedling performance was assessed through many ecophysiological variables. Fungal community was analysed with a specific sequencer. It is suggested that seedling populations of the north grow inherently weaker. Southern populations may predominate once invade to the north. Fungal communities seems to perform better in their native environments, while origin of the host tree does not matter much.