The development of plant–microbe networks following glacier retreat

Abstract ID: 3.11977
|Review Result Accepted as Talk
|Abstract registered Abstract is registered
|Presentation Time Slot TBA
|Presentation Location TBA
Khelidj, N. (1)
Arraiano Castilho, R. (2); Tu, B. N. (2, 3); de Vere, N. (4); Sanders, I. (2); and Losapio, G. (2, 3)
(1) University of Lausanne, Quartier UNIL-Mouline, 1015 Lausanne, CH
(2) University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Vaud, CH
(3) University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, , IT
(4) Natural history museum, 1353 Copenhagen
How to cite: Khelidj, N.; Arraiano Castilho, R.; Tu, B. N.; de Vere, N.; Sanders, I.; and Losapio, G.: The development of plant–microbe networks following glacier retreat, International Mountain Conference 2025, Innsbruck, Sep 14 - 18 2025, #IMC25-3.11977, 2025.
Categories: Ecosystems
Keywords: Species interactions, Alpine ecology, Climate change, Biodiversity
Categories: Ecosystems
Keywords: Species interactions, Alpine ecology, Climate change, Biodiversity
Abstract

Glacier retreat is a striking symptom of global warming. All over the world, glaciers are retreating and exposing new areas for colonisation by living organisms, including plants and microorganisms. Microorganisms are among the first colonizer of deglaciated terrains and play an important role in soil development. Moreover, they play an important role in plant establishment, as numerous microbes have close interactions with plants, and perform different functions that can be positive (i.e. symbiotic) and/ or negative (i.e. pathogenic). However, we are lacking knowledge on the impact of glacier retreat on plant–microbe interactions and how networks assemble and develop following glacier retreat. Here, we assessed how plant and microbe diversity as well as their interaction networks respond to glacier retreat along a 140-years chronosequence (Mont Miné, Val d’Hérens, Switzerland). Using field survey and environmental DNA, we assessed the effects of plant succession on soil microbial communities at 3 different levels: patch, rhizosphere, and endosphere. Our results highlight the novel assembly and development of networks along the foreland influenced by interaction, rewiring from patch to rhizosphere and endosphere.