Root nodules of red alder (Alnus rubra) and sitka alder (Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata) are inhabited by taxonomically diverse cultivable microbial endophytes.

The root nodules of actinorhizal plants are home to nitrogen-fixing bacterial symbionts, known as Frankia, along with a small percentage of other microorganisms. These include fungal endophytes and non-Frankia bacteria. The taxonomic and functional diversity of the microbial consortia within these root nodules is not well understood.

Culturable fungal endophyte communities of primary successional plants on Mount St. Helens, WA, USA.

Background: While a considerable amount of research has explored plant community composition in primary successional systems, little is known about the microbial communities inhabiting these pioneer plant species. Fungal endophytes are ubiquitous within plants, and may play major roles in early successional ecosystems. Specifically, endophytes have been shown to affect successional processes, as well as alter host stress tolerance and litter decomposition dynamics-both of which are important components in harsh environments where soil organic matter is still scarce.

Phylogenetics and genetic variation of in Western pocket gophers ( spp.).

The host specificities and systematics of North American species remain particularly uncertain. The primary aim of this study was to verify that a species described previously based only on morphology, , from pocket gopher (Rodentia: Geomyidae) hosts in Oregon represented a monophyletic lineage. In order to address this aspect, as well as to further understand relationships and geographic patterns, we carried out phylogenetic, genetic diversity, and population dynamic analyses using partial 18S rRNA and COI mtDNA sequences of specimens.

Do Foliar Endophytes Matter in Litter Decomposition?

Litter decomposition rates are affected by a variety of abiotic and biotic factors, including the presence of fungal endophytes in host plant tissues. This review broadly analyzes the findings of 67 studies on the roles of foliar endophytes in litter decomposition, and their effects on decomposition rates. From 29 studies and 1 review, we compiled a comprehensive table of 710 leaf-associated fungal taxa, including the type of tissue these taxa were associated with and isolated from, whether they were reported as endo- or epiphytic, and whether they had reported saprophytic abilities.