Honors Theses
Date of Award
Fall 5-1-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Jason Hoeksema
Second Advisor
Stephen Brewer
Third Advisor
Rebecca Prescott
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
P. radiata trees are invading Southern Hemisphere Eucalyptus forests within New Zealand and southeastern Australia, resulting in a novel codominant forest system. This codominant invasion is unique relative to other pine invasions throughout the Southern Hemisphere. Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) play an important role in all pine invasions and are found within each instance of invasion. The impact of ectomycorrhizal fungi and Pinus trees upon the properties of the soil within Eucalyptus forests is not very well studied nor understood. Our study sought to provide insight into the implications of this invasion upon the soil, and consequently the ecosystem as a whole. Our results suggest that pines perform relatively better in nutrient-rich soils sampled near Eucalyptus trees in a Eucalyptus forest and cultured by their EMF co-invaders. While this finding supports the invasion of pine trees, their lower growth in soils sampled from the vicinity of established pines in a Eucalyptus forest may help to explain the relatively stagnant nature of this invasion relative to other invasions. The negative pine-soil feedback loop in an invaded Eucalyptus forest promotes the existence of pines in the area but may play a role in inhibiting complete Pinus dominance in the forest.
Recommended Citation
Baker, Jack T., "IMPACT OF INVASIVE PINE TREES AND THEIR ECTOMYCORRHIZAL FUNGI SYMBIONTS UPON THE PROPERTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF SOILS IN SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE EUCALYPTUS FORESTS" (2025). Honors Theses. 3266.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3266
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