| Abstract Detail
Symbioses: Plant, Animal, and Microbe Interactions Mondo, Stephen [1], Pawlowska, Teresa [1]. Methods for detecting endobacteria in fungi. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are some of the most ancient and widespread mutualists on the planet, associating with the vast majority of terrestrial plants. In addition to providing nutrients otherwise inaccessible to plants in return for photosynthate, they have been shown to increase their host plants’ resistance to pathogens, drought, and promote plant growth. Many AM fungi harbor bacteria inside their spores and hyphae. However, virtually nothing is known regarding the function of these bacteria in the mycorrhizal symbiosis, their transmission mode, population structure, or evolutionary history. Our overall goal is to study the biology of endobacteria in AM fungi of coastal dune vegetation. In order to study endobacteria in this system, we have developed a rigorous surface sterilization technique and strict controls to confirm that detected bacteria are found exclusively within AM fungal spores. Our new method involves using hydrogen peroxide and chloramine T rinses and reliably removes bacterial contamination and DNA traces. Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - Cornell University, Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology, 334 Plant Science Building, Ithaca, NY, 14853-5904, USA
Keywords: endosymbiosis coevolution Burkholderia arbuscular mycorrhiza Spore sterilization.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics Session: P1 Location: Event Tent/Cliff Lodge Date: Monday, July 27th, 2009 Time: 5:30 PM Number: P1SY008 Abstract ID:723 |