Record ID No. |
3535 |
Author(s) |
Dunk, C.W., Lebel, T., Keane, P.J. , 2012 |
Affiliation |
La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia, Email: dunk@rbg.vic.gov.au |
Title |
Characterisation of ectomycorrhizal formation by the exotic fungus Amanita muscaria with Nothofagus cunninghamii in Victoria, Australia |
Source. Vol.(no):Page |
Mycorrhiza, 22 (2): 135-147p. |
Categories |
Ectomycorrhiza |
Subjects |
Morphology |
Host |
Eucalyptus, Nothofagus cunninghamii |
Organism |
Amanita muscaria |
Country |
Australia |
Abstracts |
The occurrence of the exotic ectomycorrhizal fungus Amanita muscaria in a mixed Nothofagus-Eucalyptus native forest was investigated to determine if A. muscaria has switched hosts to form a successful association with a native tree species in a natural environment. A mycorrhizal morphotype consistently found beneath A. muscaria sporocarps was examined, and a range of morphological and anatomical characteristics in common with those described for ectomycorrhizae formed by A. muscaria on a broad range of hosts were observed. A full description is provided. The likely plant associate was determined to be Nothofagus cunninghamii based upon anatomy of the roots. Analysis of ITS-1 and ITS-2 regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences confirmed the identities of both fungal and plant associates. These findings represent conclusive evidence of the invasion of a non-indigenous ectomycorrhizal fungus into native forest and highlight the ecological implications of this discovery. |