Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Fall 2008

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

Committee Chair

Dr. James Johnson

Second Committee Member

Dr. Tom R. Cottrell

Third Committee Member

Dr. Mary Poulson

Abstract

The effects of moisture on the community of beneficial fungi called ectomycorrhizae were compared in two adjacent ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests. Stands selected for this study were of populations of ponderosa pine along a natural moisture cline at the extreme limit of their distribution in eastern Washington State. Diversity and community structure was assessed for the ectomycorrhizal fungi living as mutualists on the root tips of this tree species. Identification of fungi recovered from this study was performed with the use of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) molecular markers and molecular techniques which discriminated taxa to phylotypes, which approximates species. Diversity was assessed for richness, evenness, composition and turnover indices in communities between sites, moisture regimes, and years. Analyses indicate that diversity of these communities was reduced at low soil moisture percentages. These results suggest frequent turnovers in the ectomycorrhizae on ponderosa pines and high diversity due to intermediate disturbance regimes produced by seasonal moisture in this habitat.

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