Cumming 9723393 Mycorrhizal fungi form a beneficial relationship with the roots of trees, increasing the aluminum (Al) tolerance of the tree hosts. However, little is known about the influence of elevated A1 on ectomycorrhizal community and population structure or the mechanistic basis of A1 tolerance in these organisms. The proposed research will fill this void by: (i) determining the extent to which soil Al influences communities and populations of ectomycorrhizal fungi; and (ii) elucidating mechanisms of Al tolerance in ectomycorrhizal fungi. Reclaimed coal mine soils differing in acidity and available A1 will be used in these investigations. Population studies will assess species richness as a function of soil A1. Genetic studies will utilize DNA fingerprinting to analyze biodiversity in populations from low and high A1 sites. Physiological studies will investigate the operation of potential Al- detoxification systems. Finally, the capacity of selected fungi to confer A1 stress tolerance to Pinus strobes seedlings will determined. Together, these studies will indicate whether Al influences biodiversity in ectomycorrhizal fungi and what physiological mechanisms are selected for in acid soils. Isolation and identification of genotypes tolerant of Al may provide an aid to the future reforestation and reclamation of mined sites. This award is supported by Integrative Biology and Neuroscience and the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).
