Do Fungal Root Endophytes Contribute to the Success of Invasive Tamarisk?

Purpose: Tamarisk (Salt Cedar) is a highly invasive species to riparian areas of the Southwest, however, little is known about the fungal root associations tamarisk forms. This study aims to determine what function fungal root endophytes play in the life of tamarisk. Understanding the fungal associations will help broaden our understanding of tamarisk and its success.

Plant species: Tamarix spp.

Participants:
Ali Schuessler, Master’s student NAU
Dr. Catherine Gehring, Professor and Associate Chair & Director of Graduate Studies
Julia Hull, Ph.D candidate NAU
Ron Deckert, Lab associate

Collaborations/Funding: Meriam Powell and The Lucking Family Professorship