Influence of nonnative earthworms on mycorrhizal colonization of sugar maple (Acer saccharum)

Exotic earthworms can modify or eliminate surface organic (Oe/Oa) horizons in cold-temperate forest ecosystems and have profound effects on the forest soil environment, especially the rooting zone. We examined the effects of earthworm colonization of northern hardwood forest soils on the abundance and morphology of mycorrhizal fungi associated with sugar maple (Acer saccharum). We compared mycorrhizal associations of areas of earthworm invasion with those of reference (no-worm) areas in Arnot Forest, central New York, USA. The organic horizon in reference areas had higher mycorrhizal colonization rates and higher colonized root length than did surface layers in areas with active earthworm populations. Hyphal coils were more abundant and also formed a greater proportion of total fungal colonization in reference plots. Vesicles were more abundant and were a higher contribution to total colonization in earthworm plots, indicating a possible stress response to the presence of earthworms. By affecting mycorrhizal colonization and morphology, earthworms may influence nutrient uptake capacity of dominant forest species. Our results suggest that a profound change in the mycorrhizal system will be one component of the potential ecosystem effects of invasion of new forest habitat by nonnative earthworms.