Pando aspen clone foliar fungi
The Pando aspen grove in Central Utah is a remarkable organism comprising a clonal colony of Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) in Fishlake National Forest. While Pando has garnered plenty of attention, the role of the fungal microbiome within this clonal system remains relatively uncharted. This research project delves into the endophytic and epiphytic fungal communities inhabiting the leaves of this giant single organism. The clonal nature of Pando means that plant genotype is consistent across a broad area, allowing us to test hypotheses about how plant-associated fungi disperse and associate with their hosts. In particular, we are testing whether proximity to a forest edge affects foliar fungal community structure. This research will enhance our understanding of how forest patch size and location contribute to plant-fungus community formation. These findings may also have implications with the potential to affect the health and resilience of this aspen clonal colony, which could in turn inform conservation strategies and forest management in the face of environmental challenges and the shifting ranges of aspens and fungal symbionts.