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University of Wyoming
 

INTERACTION BETWEEN HOST PHYLOGEOGRAPHY AND GENETIC STRUCTURE, REPRODUCTIVE ISOLATION AND SPECIATION IN THE RUSSULA BREVIPES COMPLEX

(WYO-00561)

 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: We propose to study the phylogeography of an important widespread root-symbiotic fungus, Russula brevipes, associated with lodgepole pine. Long-term genetic variation will be examined in subpopulations of R. brevipes by examining molecular markers in mushrooms collected from throughout the Rocky Mountain and west coast regions. Sequence analysis will be used in conjunction with an existing database to compare populations of R. brevipes. This information will allow us to identify local and regional immigration and dispersal events and processes of recolonization of this symbiotic fungus. Results from this proposal will provide basic biological information that has been previously unavailable, and is a critical step in understanding how movement and colonization of root-symbiotic fungi is affected by their host. Such information is required by forest managers before responses to forest fire or clearcutting can be fully understood or adequately predicted.