# Diverging drivers of fungal diversity: seasonal effects shape aboveground communities, while geographical patterns govern belowground communities in rubber tree ecosystems

## TL;DR

This study shows that seasonal changes affect aboveground fungal diversity in rubber trees, while geographical location shapes belowground fungal communities.

## Contribution

The study distinguishes the effects of seasonal and geographical factors on fungal diversity in rubber tree ecosystems.

## Key findings

- Alpha diversity is mainly influenced by seasonal changes and physicochemical factors.
- Beta diversity shows strong geographical patterns shaped by leaf phosphorus and soil potassium.
- Environmental drivers affect within-community diversity, while other factors shape differences across the soil–plant continuum.

## Abstract

Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of microbial communities is essential for predicting their ecological roles and interactions with host plants. In a recent study, Wei and colleagues (Microbiol Spectr 13:e02097-24, 2024) investigated fungal diversity across multiple plant and soil compartments in rubber trees over two seasons and two geographically distinct regions in China. Their findings revealed that alpha diversity was primarily influenced by seasonal changes and physicochemical factors, while beta diversity exhibited a strong geographical pattern, shaped by leaf phosphorus and soil available potassium. These results highlight the role of environmental drivers in shaping within-community diversity, while other factors contribute to the differences between fungal communities across the soil–plant continuum. By distinguishing the effects of temporal and spatial factors, this study provides detailed insights into plant-associated microbiomes and emphasizes the need for further research on the functional implications of microbial diversity in the context of changing environmental and agricultural conditions.