Investigation into Avian Secondary Fungal Spore Dispersal

Authors' Affiliations

Tori Martinez, Department of Biology, ETSU, Johnson City, TN

Location

D.P. Culp Center Ballroom

Start Date

4-5-2024 9:00 AM

End Date

4-5-2024 11:30 AM

Poster Number

134

Name of Project's Faculty Sponsor

Ryan Stephens

Faculty Sponsor's Department

Biological Sciences

Classification of First Author

Graduate Student-Master’s

Competition Type

Competitive

Type

Poster Presentation

Presentation Category

Science, Technology and Engineering

Abstract or Artist's Statement

Mycorrhizal fungi are an integral part of functioning ecosystems, as they form a symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi known as mycorrhizal symbiosis. This relationship facilitates nutrient uptake in plant roots by increasing surface area of absorption. Dispersal is a key process that shapes the community composition of fungi, and a healthy variety of taxa are needed for the community to thrive. While some fungi are dispersed by abiotic methods such as wind, many taxa disperse via animal mediated interactions. Primary fungal spore dispersal, where animals consume the fruiting body of fungi then disperses it via scat has been well documented, especially in small mammals such as voles and mice. A less researched method of dispersal is secondary dispersal, which occurs when predators consume primary dispersers and in turn distribute propagules through their own scat. This may also be an important function that determines fungal species composition. Our research will address a knowledge gap on whether avian predators can act as a disperser of fungal spores since their diet consists of animals that would function as primary dispersers of fungi. We focused on barn owls which are an ideal study species due to their habit of depositing pellets and scat in easily accessible areas protected by elements (areas such as barns and silos). A pellet is regurgitation from a bird of prey consisting of non-digestible material such as hair and bone. We collected scat and pellets from fall 2023 and will continue through 2024 across seasons. Analysis was conducted on the content of the pellets. A sample of pellets were used to produce preliminary data that would confirm the presence of spores in the pellet, and as a result the bird digestive tract. A subsample was taken across the length of the pellet. This subsample was put through a series of filters that would isolate fungal spores. This was then plated under a microscope and observed at 400X. Bones were also examined separately. Later, a correlation will be examined between prey items and presence of fungal spores. Results: Local barn owl diet consisted primarily of voles and shrews, both species that would engage in primary fungal dispersal. Preliminary data indicates that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores are present in owl pellets, confirming that birds of prey likely contribute to secondary fungal spore dispersal. We plan to conduct viability analysis of these fungal spores using greenhouse bioassays. Birds of prey at rehab centers will also be used to assess gut retention times across various species.

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Apr 5th, 9:00 AM Apr 5th, 11:30 AM

Investigation into Avian Secondary Fungal Spore Dispersal

D.P. Culp Center Ballroom

Mycorrhizal fungi are an integral part of functioning ecosystems, as they form a symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi known as mycorrhizal symbiosis. This relationship facilitates nutrient uptake in plant roots by increasing surface area of absorption. Dispersal is a key process that shapes the community composition of fungi, and a healthy variety of taxa are needed for the community to thrive. While some fungi are dispersed by abiotic methods such as wind, many taxa disperse via animal mediated interactions. Primary fungal spore dispersal, where animals consume the fruiting body of fungi then disperses it via scat has been well documented, especially in small mammals such as voles and mice. A less researched method of dispersal is secondary dispersal, which occurs when predators consume primary dispersers and in turn distribute propagules through their own scat. This may also be an important function that determines fungal species composition. Our research will address a knowledge gap on whether avian predators can act as a disperser of fungal spores since their diet consists of animals that would function as primary dispersers of fungi. We focused on barn owls which are an ideal study species due to their habit of depositing pellets and scat in easily accessible areas protected by elements (areas such as barns and silos). A pellet is regurgitation from a bird of prey consisting of non-digestible material such as hair and bone. We collected scat and pellets from fall 2023 and will continue through 2024 across seasons. Analysis was conducted on the content of the pellets. A sample of pellets were used to produce preliminary data that would confirm the presence of spores in the pellet, and as a result the bird digestive tract. A subsample was taken across the length of the pellet. This subsample was put through a series of filters that would isolate fungal spores. This was then plated under a microscope and observed at 400X. Bones were also examined separately. Later, a correlation will be examined between prey items and presence of fungal spores. Results: Local barn owl diet consisted primarily of voles and shrews, both species that would engage in primary fungal dispersal. Preliminary data indicates that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores are present in owl pellets, confirming that birds of prey likely contribute to secondary fungal spore dispersal. We plan to conduct viability analysis of these fungal spores using greenhouse bioassays. Birds of prey at rehab centers will also be used to assess gut retention times across various species.