Harvard Forest Symposium Abstract 2010

Title: Fungal Life Histories at Harvard Forest
Primary Author: Erik Hobbie (University of New Hampshire - Main Campus)
Abstract:
In collaboration with David Hibbett at Clark University and Jim Trappe at Oregon State University, we are using Harvard Forest as a natural laboratory in which we are testing the use of stable isotopes to examine life history strategies in ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi. This work is providing important validation for our studies linking fungal evolution and life history, which by necessity often requires using herbarium samples for which little supporting information is available. Students in the class “Molecular Ecology of Fungi” at Clark University collected fungi and plants at Harvard Forest primarily in the Tom Swamp area to address several specific questions, including: (1) the fungal identity of the symbionts of the mycoheterotrophic (no chlorophyll) plant Indian pipe (Monotropa uniflora); (2) the life history strategy of waxcap fungi (Hygrocybe); and (3) the mycorrhizal status of the ash bolete (Boletinellus merulioides).
Research Category: Biodiversity Studies

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