Results :: Search Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Ectomycorrhizal Fungi of Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis) in the Northern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem: Author: Mohatt, Katherine Rose; Date: 2006-05-15; Program: Plant Sciences; Abstract: Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) is an integral component of subalpine ecosystems in the Western United States where it is considered a keystone species. The mature forests which colonize harsh treeline terrain provide habitat for flora and fauna an essential food source to grizzly bears, and are also important in watershed dynamics. Threats which have led to the decline of this tree species, up to 40-90% in parts of its range, include blister rust, mountain pine beetle, fire suppression, and climate change. Pines are obligate ectomycorrhizal symbionts, and host mutualistic fungi on their roo...; Download File | View full details

Effects of Native Ectomycorrhizal Fungi on Aspen Seedlings in Greenhouse Studies: Inoculation Methods, Fertilizer Regimes, and Plant Uptake of Selected Elements in Smelter-Impacted Soils: Author: Mahony, Christopher Paul; Date: 2006-05-15; Program: Plant Sciences; Abstract: In southwestern Montana, areas near Butte and Anaconda support little or no vegetation mainly because of impacts from copper mining. Aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands occur naturally in these areas and rely heavily on native mycorrhizal fungi to moderate below ground conditions. Aspen associates with over 60 species of mycorrhizal fungi, but only a subset occurs on acidic, low nutrient soils. For these reasons, and the fact that aspen is an important colonizing tree on disturbed landscapes, a study was undertaken to examine aspen and its native ectomycorrhizal fungi in pot studies for future ...; Download File | View full details

Impact of severe fire on ectomycorrhizal fungi of whitebark pine seedlings: Author: Trusty, Paul Evan; Date: 2009-05-15; Program: Plant Science; Abstract: Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) is a threatened keystone species in subalpine zones of Western North America critical to watersheds and maintenance of high elevation biodiversity. Pine nuts are an important food for wildlife including grizzly bears. Whitebark pine stands have experienced losses up to 90% due to white pine blister rust, mountain pine beetles and replacement due to fire suppression. Active management strategies include letting natural fires burn or applying prescribed fires to clear understory fir, stimulate seedling regeneration and provide openings for nutcrackers to plant s...; Download File | View full details