Abstract Detail

Ecology/Pathology

Padamsee, Mahajabeen [1], Johansen, Renee [1], Bellgard, Stanley [2], Burns, Bruce [3], Hooker, John [4], Stuckey, Alex [3], Williams, Stephen [5].

Characterization of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonizing roots and nodules of New Zealand kauri.

Kauri (Agathis australis, Araucariaceae) is an ancient, southern coniferous tree endemic to New Zealand and restricted in distribution to its northern tip. Kauri is recognized as one of the longest living, with estimates from 1000–4000 years, and largest trees, up to seven meters in diameter, in the world. Although previous studies suggest that kauri are colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), to date there has not been an in-depth look at the AMF associated with these trees. Our research uses light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and 454-sequencing to characterize colonization and identify the AMF associated with kauri roots and nodules. Microscopic structures typical of AMF were found to be common in root nodules, but less noticeable in fine roots; however, arbuscules seem primitive and vesicles were almost nonexistent. Spores were Glomus-like but rarely encountered. Sequence data suggest that most of the molecular operational taxonomic units belong to Glomus with little representation from other AMF lineages.

1 - Landcare Research, Systematics Team, 231 Morrin Road, St Johns, Auckland, 1072, New Zealand
2 - Landcare Research, Biodiversity and Conservation Team, 231 Morrin Road, St Johns, Auckland, 1072, New Zealand
3 - University of Auckland, School of Biological Sciences, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
4 - University of New England, School of Science and Technology, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
5 - University of Wyoming, Ecosystem Science and Management, 1000 E. University Ave, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA

Keywords:
Pyrosequencing
Glomeromycota
ecology
root endophyte.

Presentation Type: Offered Paper - Paper
Session: 7
Location: Auditorium/Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
Date: Tuesday, June 10th, 2014
Time: 8:45 AM
Number: 7002
Abstract ID:192
Candidate for Awards:None