Mycorrhizae are the mutualistic associations between plant roots (or rhizoids) and fungi. This symbiosis is found in virtually every terrestrial habitat on the vast majority of plants, and is a vital part of natural and managed ecosystems. This grant will provide travel support for the 8th North American Conference on Mycorrhizae in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The emphasis of this meeting will be integrating the study of mycorrhizae with the Plant and Fungal Biology of the 1990's. The North American Conference on Mycorrhizae (NACOM), occurring approximately every 3 years, has been the major source of interaction for mycorrhizal researchers since its inception in 1969. It has become the premier meeting for developing concepts and applications related to the study of mycorrhizae. At the seventh NACOM (May 1987), in Gainesville Florida, 310 scientists from 31 countries attended and presented 253 papers. In keeping with the theme of integration with Plant Sciences, the meeting will be organized using a hierarchical structure that will permit interaction of all interested groups. On Wednesday, the opening day, the major addresses will be on molecular-cellular biology, Thursday will concentrate on organismal biology, Friday on community interactions, and Saturday on ecosystem processes. Theoretical and applied symposia will be interspersed throughout the week. Special attempts will be made to integrate researchers who are actively involved with mycorrhizal work. Therefore, for each day, the morning session has been built around an integrative session devoted to understanding the major questions and approaches at a single hierarchical level. Afternoons will be devoted to symposia organized by the mycorrhizal community. In each case, evenings, have been reserved for posters and informal discussions.
