Abundance and distribution of the multi-functional root associated fungus Meliniomyces variabilis

Abstract

Meliniomyces variabilis Hambleton and Sigler is a fungal partner of the Ericaceae, forming ericoid mycorrhizal symbioses, and a member of the Rhizoscyphus Ericae Species aggregate. M. variabilis has been isolated from a range of non-ericaceous boreal plants where it has been observed to colonize roots endophytically. The present study derives species specific PCR primers to isolate M. variabilis from field samples of plant roots to investigate the host range of M. variabilis. Real-time PCR was utilized on samples from two sites to study factors that affect the abundance and distribution of M. variabilis on the host plants Kalmia polifolia and Picea mariana. This analysis expanded the host range of plants colonized by M. variabilis by five species, and one family. The above-ground plant community plays a significant factor in determining the host choice of M. variabilis by influencing it to either colonize a primary Ericaceous host or an alternate host.