Detecting the colonization of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi in using in situ polymerase chain reaction and green fluorescent protein.

BACKGROUND

Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi (EMF) play important roles in mineral cycling and plant nutrient acquisition, and they increase plant survival in nutrient-poor environments. In this study, we detected the colonization of EMF using a green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression method and in situ PCR.

RESULTS

Genetic transformants of and Sordariomycetes sp. expressing GFP were obtained via -mediated transformation. GFP transformants were able to infect , and their fluorescence was visible in the hair roots. Both in situ PCR and the GFP-expressing method indicated that EMF could colonize the hair roots of 2 weeks after inoculation.

CONCLUSIONS

This research represents the first attempt to detect ericoid mycorrhizal colonization using in situ PCR. A GFP-expressing method is an excellent system for detecting the colonization of EMF, but it is dependent on the successful transformation and expression of the gene. In situ PCR and the GFP expression may be developed as new tools to study the interactions of EMF both with ericaceous plants and with the environment.