Abstract
Fungi capable of forming biotrophic mycorrhizal associations are likely to have evolved from a diverse range of free-living saprotrophic fungi. However, multiple evolutionary reversals from mycorrhizal to a free-living saprotrophic condition and vice-versa have occurred in fungi, indicating that the ability to form mycorrhiza is an evolutionarily dynamic character. In our recent study, saprotrophic basidiomycetes, including widely used biocontrol agent Phlebiopsis gigantea and endangered species Phlebia centrifuga, were occasionally found inhabiting living mycorrhizal root tips. Our finding indicates that some saprotrophs are able to form mycorrhizal structures with living tree roots. The aim of this project is to examine how saprotrophic wood-decay fungi interact with healthy roots of forest trees, something that has never been done before. For this, more that 200 species of saprotrophic fungi will be examined for their capacity to form functional symbioses with tree roots. In situ studies will examine colonisation of roots by P. gigantea and other saprotrophic fungi on sites treated with biocontrol agent of P. gigantea and also determine impact of the treatment on the below-ground fungal communities. The project will reveal whether and how widespread the biotrophic association is in wood-decay fungi. It will also provide new insights into fungal ecology and evolution, and contribute to our better understanding about human impact on fungal biodiversity in forest ecosystems.
Sweden