Endorhizal Fungi

Fungal root symbionts are essential for the survival and growth of terrestrial plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizae are abundant even in plant roots growing on High Arctic tundra. Habitat-specific septate endophyte fungi confer tolerance for plants growing in otherwise extreme environments. Although the metabolic mechanisms are not yet understood, habitat-adaptive endophytes appear to increase water use efficiency of the plants with which they are associated.

This project is in collaboration with Dr. Jim Basinger, Dept Geology, U Saskatchewan.

Basinger’s Axel Heiberg site is notable for having a diverse Eocene (40 million year old) temperate forest comprised of species whose nearest living relatives are now in southern China. These fossils are exquisitely well-preserved, leading to the possibility that ancient mycorrhizal and other plant:fungal interactions will also be available for study. The “Fossil Forest” at 80°N on Axel Heiberg Island has plants with abundant arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) unlike any other high latitude site currently documented. This is a unique place to assess Arctic AM function.