Parasitic plants indirectly regulate below-ground properties in grassland ecosystems

Richard D. Bardgett (), Roger S. Smith, Robert S. Shiel, Simon Peacock, Janet M. Simkin, Helen Quirk and Phil J. Hobbs
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Richard D. Bardgett: Lancaster University
Roger S. Smith: School of Biology and Psychology
Robert S. Shiel: University of Newcastle
Simon Peacock: School of Biology and Psychology
Janet M. Simkin: School of Biology and Psychology
Helen Quirk: Lancaster University
Phil J. Hobbs: North Wyke Research Station

Nature, 2006, vol. 439, issue 7079, 969-972

Abstract: The grass is greener Almost every ecosystem is affected by parasites, but while much is known about the drastic effects that parasites can have on their hosts, little is known about how they affect ecosystems. Bardgett et al. therefore studied the effect of parasitic plants — the most common group of parasites — on the diversity of plant communities. Specifically, infestation of mixed grassland with the parasitic weed, Rhinanthus minor (also known as little yellow rattle) increases plant diversity and reduces plant production. This has dramatic indirect effects on the soil, more than doubling rates of nutrient cycling. These parasite-driven effects on plant and soil override those attributed to inherent soil fertility and fertilizers, which are traditionally viewed as primary determinants of grassland properties.

Date: 2006
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DOI: 10.1038/nature04197

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