Background
Roots of most land plants are mycorrhizal, where the associated fungi provide better access to nutrients in soil for the host plant through increased surface area. In return, the host plants provide carbohydrates to the fungal partners. Different mycorrhizal symbioses have evolved, including ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis, common among trees such as Norway spruce and Scots pine in boreal forests. The mycelium of ECM fungi extends from the plant roots into the soil and can form extensive belowground individuals (genets). Population genetic studies have indicated that genets can connect two or more trees, even of different species, which is then termed a common mycorrhizal network (CMN).
Numerous laboratory studies and a few field experiments have demonstrated that carbon can be transported belowground between plants. However, the extent to which carbon moves through CMNs is still debated. Despite major uncertainty about their roles in forests, CMNs have been widely promoted in books and media, creating the impression that their occurrence and function are well established. This is far from true; despite widespread popular beliefs, we have little knowledge of both the spatial distribution and architecture of CMNs, as well as their functions in a field setting. For example, how many trees are linked through CMNs? Are these networks large or small? Do fungal links last long enough to transport resources between trees? How many fungal species form CMNs? These are all outstanding questions. This is a critical knowledge gap because the structure of CMNs determines their functioning in forests.
Aims
In the proposed MSc project(s), the spatiotemporal distribution and architecture of common mycorrhizal networks in forest soils will be investigated using various DNA analyses of field collected material.
Approach
The spatiotemporal distribution and architecture of common mycorrhizal networks will be investigated through genetic analyses of material, such as fungal fruit bodies and soil samples, collected in the field. The MSc-students will learn about field work, DNA-lab work, bioinformatics, statistics, scientific writing, and will be on a daily basis be part of Oslo Mycology Group (OMG).
Supervisors
Prof. Håvard Kauserud, Prof. Inger Skrede, Dr. Ella Thoen, Dr. Anders Krabberød and Frida Schmidt. Contact Kauserud at haavarka@ibv.uio.no in case you are interested, and we will discuss about possibilities for a MSc-project.