2020 Fall Seminar Series - Dr. V. Bala Chaudhary

 

Dr. V. Bala Chaudhary photo Dr. V. Bala Chaudhary
Asst. Professor, Environmental Science and Studies
DePaul University, College of Science and Health

WHEN:  Oct. 2nd, 2020 at Noon
WHERE: Seminar will be presented via Zoom
Zoom Meeting:
https://ucdenver.zoom.us/j/91048440693
Meeting ID: 910 4844 0693

 

Trait-based aerial dispersal of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Dispersal is a fundamental process influencing both large-scale biogeographical patterns and local community assembly, but considerable knowledge gaps exist for dispersal of arbuscular mycorrhizas, among one of Earth’s most common symbioses. Variation in dispersal is predicted among arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal taxa due to variation in spore traits, but these predictions have yet to be empirically tested. Furthermore, passive accumulation of AM fungal propagules in urban environments suggests rapid aerial dispersal. Using field experiments, functional traits, and high-throughput sequencing we investigate the prevalence and patterns of aerial dispersal of AMfungi. These data inform AM fungal dispersal conceptual models and guide predictions about how stochastic processes drive AM fungal biogeography and community structure.

Everyone is welcome to join the seminar, please see the Zoom link above.