Mycorrhizal strategy of non-native plants varies with biome and disturbance

Cazzaniga S. G., Lauber T., van den Hoogen J., Beaury E. M., Bueno C. G., Bever J. D., ...More

Nature Ecology and Evolution, vol.10, no.9, pp.1644-1657, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 10 Issue: 9
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1038/s41559-026-03144-9
  • Journal Name: Nature Ecology and Evolution
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Zoological Record, Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Earth, Atmospheric, & Aquatic Science Collection (ProQuest)
  • Page Numbers: pp.1644-1657
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Predicting which non-native plant species will become established and where is critical for conserving and managing biodiversity. Theory suggests that the mycorrhizal strategy of non-native plants may predict their establishment success. Here we combine a global dataset of 440,788 vegetation plots with data on plant native status and mycorrhizal type to assess mycorrhizal strategy of non-native plants. The mycorrhizal strategy of non-native plants varies strongly across biomes. Across grassland and desert biomes, non-native species are more frequently non-mycorrhizal than native species, whereas in other biomes non-native species are more likely to be mycorrhizal, most commonly arbuscular-mycorrhizal. Disturbance type and intensity are key predictors of mycorrhizal strategy of non-native species, as mycorrhizal species are favoured by landscape modification and non-mycorrhizal species by natural and human-caused disturbance events. Facultatively mycorrhizal species are consistently under-represented among non-native plants compared with natives, suggesting that symbiotic flexibility does not confer an advantage for non-natives as previously expected. Our study shows that non-native mycorrhizal strategy varies across biogeographical contexts and disturbance, highlighting the need for region-specific prevention and management approaches to plant species introductions.