Functional Diversity Of Fungi Within The Ectomycorrhizal Genus Lactarius

Informations

Funding country

Europe

Acronym

URSULA EBERHARDT

URL

-

Start date

11/1/2001

End date

10/31/2003

Budget

150,054 EUR

Fundings

Abstract

In boreal forests, one of the most abundant and diverse groups of soil organisms is the obligatory symbiotic ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungus. Laboratory experiments and manipulative field experiments have shown marked differences in response by individual ECM species and hence change in community structure to changing environmental conditions . This leads to the hypothesis that high functional diversity exists among ECM fungi. By concentrating on a single, but highly important ECM fungal genus, the combined objectives of assessing both functional and organism diversity within ECM fungal communities can be achieved. To attain these goals, a DNA sequence database from authenticated herbarium collections will be established. This will allow not only a clarification of the current taxonomic state of the genus Lactations in Europe but will allow the identification of field collected Lactations mycorrhizas and derived isolates as well as the selection of intra-specific markers for Population studies. Concurrently, a culture bank of Lactarius isolates, obtained from fresh scorecard and mycorrhizal material, will be established. Long term storage requirements will be determined. A series of standardised physiological assessments will be performed that examine the enzymatic capabilities of the isolates to mobilise a range of ecologically important N and P substrates. All data will be compiled in a electronic database that will be made available through the internet.