International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 368-380 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 376 The figure compares the preference of B. psenes in Y-tube olfactometer tests when exposed to single compounds, a specific VOC blend with a fixed ratio (B1), and control conditions. The results show that B. psenes exhibits a significant preference for the specific blend of four VOCs, including benzyl alcohol and (S)-linalool (B1), while no significant preference is observed for single compounds or other mixtures with different ratios, which are even less attractive than benzyl alcohol alone (Proffit et al., 2020). This indicates that B. psenes requires a specific proportion of VOCs to effectively locate its host plant, highlighting the importance of precise chemical signaling in the mutualistic relationship between plants and pollinators. 6 Ecological Interactions of Ficus caricawith its Environment 6.1Role of Ficus carica in maintaining biodiversity Ficus carica plays a significant role in maintaining biodiversity within its ecosystem. The tree supports a diverse community of endophytic fungi, which includes genera such as Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Curvularia. These fungal endophytes exhibit antimicrobial properties and biotransforming abilities, contributing to the ecological balance by inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms and metabolizing plant compounds (Barolo et al., 2023). Additionally, the presence of mycorrhizal fungi in the root systems of Ficus carica enhances nutrient uptake and stress tolerance, which in turn supports the growth and survival of various plant species in the surrounding area (Tedersoo et al., 2020; Caruso et al., 2021). This mutualistic relationship between Ficus carica and mycorrhizal fungi fosters a stable and diverse plant community, promoting overall ecosystem health. 6.2 Interactions with soil microorganisms: symbiosis with mycorrhizae Ficus carica forms symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, which are crucial for its nutrient acquisition and stress adaptation. These fungi colonize the roots of Ficus carica, facilitating the uptake of essential nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen in exchange for photosynthetically derived carbon from the plant (Genre et al., 2020; Shi et al., 2022). The mycorrhizal symbiosis not only enhances the nutrient status of Ficus carica but also improves soil structure and ecosystem functionality by influencing soil microbial communities (Mello and Balestrini, 2018). The presence of mycorrhizal fungi, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), has been shown to positively affect the root architecture of Ficus carica, leading to increased root length and mass, which further enhances the plant's ability to exploit soil resources (Caruso et al., 2021). This intricate interaction between Ficus carica and mycorrhizal fungi underscores the importance of these symbiotic relationships in maintaining soil health and plant productivity. 6.3 Influence on surrounding vegetation and wildlife Ficus carica exerts a significant influence on the surrounding vegetation and wildlife through its root exudates and interactions with soil microorganisms. Studies have shown that the root extracts of Ficus carica can promote the growth of neighboring plants, such as Taxus cuspidata, by altering soil microbial diversity and increasing the abundance of growth-promoting bacteria while reducing pathogenic bacteria (Li et al., 2023). This allelopathic effect is primarily mediated by the chemicals secreted by Ficus carica roots, which interact with soil microorganisms to create a favorable environment for plant growth. Furthermore, the extensive mycorrhizal networks associated withFicus caricaroots facilitate nutrient transfer and communication between plants, thereby enhancing plant community dynamics and stability (Tedersoo et al., 2020). The presence of Ficus carica also supports a diverse array of wildlife, including various insect species that rely on the tree for food and habitat, further contributing to the ecological richness of the area. Ficus carica plays a pivotal role in maintaining biodiversity, fostering symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, and influencing the growth and health of surrounding vegetation and wildlife. These ecological interactions highlight the importance of Ficus carica in sustaining and enhancing ecosystem functions.
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