Abstract
Using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns from two ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and DNA sequences from ITS2, we characterized ericoid mycorrhizal fungal isolates from culture collections.With a synoptic key to RFLP patterns, we divided 34 mycorrhizal or root-associated isolates into 16 groups. RFLP patterns were identical when fungal specific primers were used to amplify DNA from pure fungal cultures and in vitro mycorrhizae. Sequence analysis clustered 23 of 24 mycorrhizal isolates into two larger groups: the Oidiodendron group and the Hymenoscyphus group. The Oidiodendron group included genetically uniform, conidiating fungi. The Hymenoscyphus group encompassed more diversity and included other discomycetes (Leotiales) as well as sterile, unidentifiable mycorrhizal isolates from four RFLP groups. Results from our field site on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, suggest that several ericoid mycorrhizal fungi can coexist in a single root of Gaultheria shallon Pursh and that our molecular data base is not yet complete. From sixty 3-mm root sections, we cultured four genetically different fungi that formed mycorrhizae in resynthesis experiments and sequence analysis showed that one of these differed from all previously known ericoid mycorrhizal fungi.
Published Version
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