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      Dark septate and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal endophytes in roots of prairie grasses

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      JCPerezTHESIScorrected.pdf (579.8Kb)
      Date
      2009-12
      Author
      Perez-Naranjo, Juan Carlos
      Type
      Thesis
      Degree Level
      Doctoral
      Metadata
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      Abstract
      Root symbioses with dark septate endophytic fungi (DSE) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provide plant tolerance to environmental stresses. This research answers several fundamental questions about the occurrence of these fungi in roots of prairie grasses. Traditional methods and current molecular techniques were combined in order to: 1) define the role and specificity of DSE in plant tolerance to drought; 2) assess the level of host specificity in DSE; 3) document AMF biodiversity and pattern of root colonization at different soil depths; 4) define the influence of soil depth and plant species on the distribution of DSE and AMF in roots and; 5) reveal how DSE and AMF interact in plant roots. Under controlled conditions, DSE isolates showed host preference in colonizing roots and promoting plant growth. They colonized with more intensity the plant species from which they were isolated [Agropyron cristatum L. or Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch) Nevski subsp. Juncea (Syn: Elymus junceus Fisch)]. Inoculation with five DSE isolates resulted in growth stimulation of the C3 grasses A. cristatum and P. juncea, and growth depression of the C4 grass Bouteloua gracillis (Willd. ex Kunth) Lag. ex Griffiths, under water stress. Plant C concentration suggested that DSE inoculation may have resulted in net C drain from B. gracillis.
      Degree
      Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
      Department
      Soil Science
      Program
      Soil Science
      Supervisor
      Germida, James J.; Hamel, Chantal
      Committee
      Hijri, Mohamed; Vujanovic, Vladimir; Walley, Fran; Pennock, Dann; Schellenberg, Michael
      Copyright Date
      December 2009
      URI
      http://hdl.handle.net/10388/etd-12222009-170513
      Subject
      Symbiosis
      Niche specificity
      Community dynamics
      Root ecology
      TRFLP
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      • Graduate Theses and Dissertations
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