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Genetic diversity of root-associated fungal endophytes from Calluna vulgaris at contrasting field sites

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 November 2000

J. M. SHARPLES ,
S. M. CHAMBERS ,
A. A. MEHARG  and
J. W. G. CAIRNEY
J. M. SHARPLES
Affiliation:
Mycorrhiza Research Group, School of Science, University of Western Sydney, PO Box 10, Kingswood NSW 2747, Australia Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Monks Wood, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE17 2LS, UK
S. M. CHAMBERS
Affiliation:
Mycorrhiza Research Group, School of Science, University of Western Sydney, PO Box 10, Kingswood NSW 2747, Australia
A. A. MEHARG
Affiliation:
Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Monks Wood, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE17 2LS, UK
J. W. G. CAIRNEY
Affiliation:
Mycorrhiza Research Group, School of Science, University of Western Sydney, PO Box 10, Kingswood NSW 2747, Australia
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Abstract

A total of 107 putative ericoid mycorrhizal endophytes were isolated from hair roots of Calluna vulgaris from two abandoned arsenic/copper mine sites and a natural heathland site in southwest England. The endophytes were initially grouped as 14 RFLP types, based on the results of ITS-RFLP analysis using the restriction endonucleases Hinf I, Rsa I and Hae III. ITS sequences were obtained for representative isolates from each RFLP type and compared phylogenetically with sequences for known ericoid mycorrhizal endophytes and selected ascomycetes. The majority of endophyte isolates (62–92%) from each site were identified as Hymenoscyphus ericae, but a number of other less common mycorrhizal RFLP types were also identified, all of which appear to have strong affinities with the order Leotiales. None of the less common RFLP types was isolated from C. vulgaris at more than one field site. Neighbour-joining analysis indicated similarities between the endophytes from C. vulgaris and mycorrhizal endophytes isolated from other Ericaceae and Epacridaceae hosts in North America and Australia.

Keywords

EricaceaeEpacridaceaeITS-RFLPLeotialesericoid mycorrhizal fungi
Type
Research article
Information
The New Phytologist , Volume 148 , Issue 1 , October 2000 , pp. 153 - 162
Copyright
© Trustees of the New Phytologist 2000

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