Abstract
We want to test two hypotheses: 1) monophyletic groups of ectomycorrhizal fungi have similar functional proporties and this is reflected in host preferences, community structure and adaptations to abiotic conditions; 2) the ectomycorrhiza symbiosis is evolutionary stable and this promotes increased host specialisation and speciation. Inocybe is selected as study group since it is species rich, connects with a broad range of hosts, occurs in a wide range of ecosystems, and is sparsely studied by molecular methods. We will develop molecular-based multi-gene phylogenies and use them to map ecological characters and make ancestral character state analyses for selected functional traits. The ectomycorrhizal condition will be ascertained through molecular identification of the fungus and host from root-tips. Species with broad host ranges are the target for intensified study in order to investigate the possibility that morphological species are in fact species complexes.
Sweden