| Abstract Detail
Teaching with basal fungal lineages Martin, W. Wallace [1]. Blastocladiomycota: Habitat and Life Cycles. The Blastocladiomycota was raised from ordinal status in the Chytridiomycota to accommodate zoosporic fungi whose molecular, morphological and life history characters differed significantly from those of the Chytridiomycota. Important synapomorphies include zoospores with a nuclear cap and side-body complex as well as sporic meiosis and the alternation of sporophytic and gametophytic generations. Members of the Blastocladiomycota (commonly called blastodads) express diverse nutritional abilities and range from saprotrophs (which may be aerobic or anaerobic) to necrotrophs and biotrophs. Allomyces is an easily maintained saprotropic genus whose various species provide simple but elegant examples of isomorphic as well as anisomorphic alternation of ploidal generations. Major biotrophic genera include parasites of plants (Physoderma) and aquatic invertebrates (Coelomomyces, Coelomycidium, and some Catenaria species). Parasitic members of the phylum are ecologically important in the natural control of mosquitoes, midges, black flies and other aquatic invertebrates and may have future applications in biological control of medically important and nuisance populations of insects. Much of our knowledge of the Blastocladiomycota was obtained two or more decades ago but recent studies in paleontology, molecular phylogeny, and population biology have revived interest in the group. Future studies of the group should bring together professionals from mycology and the plant and animal sciences to discuss common interests and problems. This presentation will present an overview of the techniques used in collecting, identifying, and maintaining fungi of the Blastocladiomycota. Practical tips for using various representatives of the group in teaching and research will also be covered.
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1 - Randolph-Macon College, Biology Department, Ashland, Virginia, 23005, United States
Keywords:
none specified
Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: SY12
Location: Cottonwood B/Snowbird Center
Date: Wednesday, July 29th, 2009
Time: 4:15 PM
Number: SY12006
Abstract ID:481 |
