Conservation by translocation: establishment of Wollemi pine and associated microbial communities in novel environments

Abstract

Background and aims: Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis Jones, Hill & Allen) is a critically endangered conifer and living fossil. Translocation has been proposed as a conservation strategy to establish ‘back-ups’ to the wild population; however, knowledge regarding the environmental and biotic requirements of individuals planted in new environments is limited. Methods: An experimental translocation was established in a new location in the wild with Wollemi pines planted along a light and elevation gradient. Specific abiotic soil properties and associated microbial communities were linked to Wollemi pine performance in these new locations to inform best practice for future translocations. Results: Our results indicate that soil properties can be used to select appropriate translocation sites that ensure initial establishment and growth. One year after translocation Wollemi pine had recruited a species-specific fungal community that persisted. Species-specific bacterial communities in their soil and roots formed in the second year after planting. Translocated Wollemi pines that were unhealthy and were not growing did not have the species-specific fungal community. Conclusion: The long-term functional consequence of this species-specific microbial community warrants ongoing investigation. This is one of the first studies to explicitly consider the role of microbial communities during the translocation of a rare plant and such approaches will be valuable for informing best translocation practice for other rare plant species.