Hostname: page-component-7c8c6479df-ws8qp Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-03-19T09:15:14.056Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Taxonomic identity of the Sterile Red Fungus inferred using nuclear rDNA ITS 1 sequences

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2005

Vera ANDJIC
Affiliation:
Department of Plant and Microbial Sciences, Private Bag 4800, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. E-mail: v.andjic@murdoch.edu.au Present address: School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, South Street, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
Anthony L. J. COLE
Affiliation:
Department of Plant and Microbial Sciences, Private Bag 4800, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. E-mail: v.andjic@murdoch.edu.au
John D. KLENA
Affiliation:
Department of Plant and Microbial Sciences, Private Bag 4800, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. E-mail: v.andjic@murdoch.edu.au Present address: School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4234, USA.
Get access

Abstract

The taxonomic position and properties of an unidentified fungus isolated from wheat roots was investigated. The Sterile Red Fungus (SRF) is characterised by its fast growing habit, red pigmentation, non-sporing nature and mycelial form resembling some Laetisaria and Limonomyces species. rDNA variation was used to study the relationship of the SRF to Laetisaria spp. and Limonomyces spp. Nucleotide sequence obtained from eight Laetisaria and three Limonomyces species representing the ITS 1 region, were analysed by PCR and direct sequencing. Plant growth promoting properties of the five taxa were also determined. The SRF had closest identity (98%) to British material of Limonomyces roseipellis. UPGMA analysis of ITS 1 DNA sequence support a close relationship between SRF and L. roseipellis. The relationship inferred by nucleotide sequence data was supported by phenotypic analysis; both L. roseipellis and the SRF were shown to promote the growth of wheat plants. Unexpectedly, Laetisaria arvalis and material named as Limonomyces roseipellis from New Zealand appeared to be closely related with 98% rDNA sequence identity, suggesting the misidentification of the New Zealand collection.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© The British Mycological Society 2005

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)