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A Contribution To The Characterization Of The Diversity Of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Associated With American Chestnut At The Utc Fortwood Street Nursery, Colton Jones

Honors Theses

Ectomycorrhizas play several essential roles in the biosphere and have immeasurable implications on the ecosystems in which they exist. Much has been discovered about the relationships between ectomycorrhizal fungi and the trees with which they associate, but there is still much to learn. Due to the nature of ectomycorrhizal morphology, DNA analysis is frequently required in order to accurately identify the fungal partner. Some ectomycorrhizal fungi produce above-ground fruiting bodies that presumably contain the same DNA sequences as the fungi encapsulating corresponding plant root tips below the soil; these fruiting bodies have been frequently observed growing in nursery containers at …