Graduation Date
Spring 2026
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Biology
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Terry Henkel
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Erik Jules
Second Committee Member Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Mihai Tomescu
Third Committee Member Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Fourth Committee Member Name
Dr. Kabir Peay
Fourth Committee Member Affiliation
Community Member or Outside Professional
Keywords
Northern California, Ectomycorrhizal fungi, Forest ecology, Symbiosis, Pine trees
Subject Categories
Biology
Abstract
Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are vital for increasing host plant uptake of nutrients and stress tolerance within ECM forest ecosystems. The species assemblage of ECM fungi can vary locally in response to numerous biotic and abiotic environmental factors. In California’s northwestern coast the occurrence of three Pinus species, along with a disjunction between populations of Pinus muricata in Mendocino and Humboldt Counties, offer a unique opportunity to investigate the spatial and host effects on pine-associated ECM fungi. Ectomycorrhizal fungal community structure was quantified from host tree roots and sequenced sporocarps occurring at the same sites to create a project specific ITS database. After assigning functional traits, 101 ECM fungal species across 30 genera were detected, with resupinate fungus Tomentella sublilacina occurring at all study sites. Shared native range appeared to be a stronger determinant in fungal community overlap than host specificity, phylogenetic proximity of hosts, or soil environment. Fungal species richness was negatively affected by increased levels of soil nitrogen and phosphorus. These results underscore the importance of native ECM fungi in native forest stands and highlight their potential use in habitat restoration and reforestation.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Richardson, Monika Audrey, "Ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with Pinus species of California's northwestern coast" (2026). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2574.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2574