9318232 McLaughlin Among the estimated 16,000 species of basidiomycete fungi, the familiar mushrooms and puffballs and bracket fungi of the world, are forms without conspicuous fruiting bodies but possessing microscopic spore-bearing structures. The taxonomic relationships of these numerous fungal forms are little studied, although many economically important crop pathogens and ecologically significant saprobic groups are included here. As well, the phylogenetic or genealogical affinities of these fungi, among themselves and with the ascomycete fungi, are poorly known. New molecular methods of DNA sequencing promise large quantities of comparative data for integration with current morphological and ultrastructural findings for eventual taxonomic and phylogenetic synthesis. Dr. David McLaughlin at the University of Minnesota and postdoctoral associate Dr. Eric Swann have started a major project to acquire DNA sequence data for numerous representatives of the simple septate groups of Heterobasidiomycetes, and to integrate these new molecular data with traditional taxonomic characters. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of the fungi hold great promise for improving taxonomic recognition of the major lines of evolution and for resolving longstanding controversies about the origin and morphological diversification of saprobic and pathogenic groups of basidiomycetes.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Environmental Biology (DEB)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9318232
Program Officer
Mary C. McKitrick
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1994-02-01
Budget End
1999-06-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
$180,000
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Minneapolis
State
MN
Country
United States
Zip Code
55455