9600699 Morton This award renews support of the International Culture Collection of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhyzal fungi (INVAM) at West Virginia University. The collected organisms are soil- borne organisms that grow in beneficial symbiosis with the roots of most higher plant species. 154 species of such fungi have been identified; 64 are represented in the collection, along with 44 as yet unidentified strains. Because of their intimate association with plants, such fungi are likely to play an important role in development of sustainable agriculture practices and, potentially, in bioremediation. The award provides partial support for the INVAM's efforts in maintaining and distributing over 1000 strains now in the collection as well as the continued accession of new species and geographic isolates. In 1995, over 1000 samples were distributed to users world-wide. The INVAM receives additional support from the University and from fees charged to users. ***
