Priority colonization of Cinnamomum camphora litter by endophytes affects decomposition rate, fungal community and microbial activities under field conditions

Senesced plant material contains many endophytic microorganisms that colonized the plant while it was living. The role that these endophytes play during the subsequent colonization of litter by decomposers is unclear, as is their effects on decomposer activity. To improve our understanding of the effect of pioneer colonization by endophytes on litter decomposition, five dominant fungal endophytes were isolated from Cinnamomum camphora leaves and inoculated onto leaf litter prior to monitoring decomposition under field conditions. Inoculation with some endophytes resulted in altered levels of decomposer activity, increasing lignocellulolytic enzyme activities, respiration rates, and fungal biomass, and increased levels of decomposition over the course of 120 days. Inoculation with endophytes also altered the structure of the subsequent community of fungi. This work suggests that priority effects associated with endophytes present during litterfall can have substantial effects on decomposer activities and community dynamics, with potential effects on nutrient cycling in ecosystems.