An study on the dispersal ecology of the subterranean fruiting endophytic fungus

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K15565
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 40010:Forest science-related
• Research Institution: Forest Research and Management Organization
• Principal Investigator: Nakamura Noritaka 国立研究開発法人森林研究・整備機構, 森林総合研究所, 研究員 (10867534)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 内生菌 / ビョウタケ目 / 分散

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study was to expand our understanding of the dispersal ecology of root endophytic fungi, utilizing Hymenoscyphus sp. as a representative example. Specimens of this fungus were collected in Japan and 580 isolates were obtained. Phylogenetic analyses, based on four distinct loci and variations in cultural traits, indicated the presence of a species complex. The most prevalent species among them was subjected to population genetic analysis using SSR markers, revealing a significant population genetic structure. Furthermore, the data suggested that as the geographic distance between populations increased, so did the genetic distance, indicating that this fungus possesses a distinct spore dispersal mode and dispersal ability compared to its aboveground-fruiting relatives.

Free Research Field

微生物生態学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究で対象とした菌の宿主となるブナ科樹木は国内に広く分布するにもかかわらず、その根部内生菌については記載的な研究も未だ不十分である。本研究では国内で報告されていなかった植物根に発生するHymenoscyphus属菌を収集・整理することで根部内生菌の知られざる生物多様性の一端を明らかにした。さらに、本研究により得られたHymenoscyphus属菌の分散様式及び分散能力に関する知見は根部内生菌群集の形成メカニズムを考える上で役立つと考えられる。