| Abstract Detail
Mycological Section Madsen, Thomas [1]. Liverwort/basidiomycete mycorrhizae and directions for future research. Mycorrhizal mutualisms are widespread among the land plants, and most liverwort mycorrhizae have been assumed to be mutualistic. However, an increasing body of literature suggests that several clades of liverworts may be exploiting fungal carbon. High specificity of mycorrhizal relationships, along with phylogenetic identity of liverwort and fungal taxa suggest mixotrophy among several families of leafy and thalloid liverworts. Additional studies of stable isotopes, axenic/symbiotic cultures, and phylogeny are needed in order to investigate the functional, ecological and evolutionary significance of these mycorrhizal associations. Widespread mixotrophy would have important implications for evolution, ecology, and conservation of liverworts and therefore represents an important avenue for further research. Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - UC Berkeley, Integrative Biology, 3060 Valley Life Sciences Bldg #3140, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3140, USA
Keywords: Mycorrhizae liverworts basidiomycetes.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for BSA Sections Session: 74 Location: Cottonwood C/Snowbird Center Date: Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 Time: 3:45 PM Number: 74001 Abstract ID:943 |