Mapping fungi from below ground: online genetic resources and ectomycorrhizal geographic distributions

Abstract

We used DNA sequences of 20 ectomycorrhizal fungal species obtained from roots in Britain and Germany to find location data within Europe for these fungi in the public DNA databases. These data were used to plot species presence on maps, environmental layers were laid over these maps, and information from those sites was extrapolated using geographic information systems. Through randomization tests the significant factors for each species from available data were tested. Similar methodology was used for fungal samples identified using morphology from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to compare data quality and quantity. This analysis exposed the need for uniform methodology and greater distribution of sampling in order to create viable species distribution models for ectomycorrhizas.