The Fungi Behind the Forest: How Mycorrhizal Diversity Changes in Great Basin Bristlecone Pine in Response to Tree Age and Resource Availability

Authors

Zeb M. Mendenhall, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow
Otto W. Groff, Brigham Young University - Provo
Austin J. Housley, Brigham Young University - Provo
Steven L. Petersen, Brigham Young University, Provo, UtahFollow

Files

Keywords

mycorrhizae, resource availability, Great Basin bristlecone pine, soil nutrients, dendrochronology

Abstract

2nd Place - Open House Presentation

Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva, hereafter bristlecone) is one of the longest living organisms on the planet1 (Fig.1).

Bristlecone form symbiotic relationships with Ectomycorrhiza (ECM) to gain important resources in dry, nutrient poor soils2 (Fig. 2).

Very little research exists on the relationship between bristlecone and ECM, limiting our understanding of how these trees survive.

This project investigates how ECM diversity changes in bristlecone with age and different resource availabilities.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Mendenhall, Zeb M.; Groff, Otto W.; Housley, Austin J.; and Petersen, Steven L., "The Fungi Behind the Forest: How Mycorrhizal Diversity Changes in Great Basin Bristlecone Pine in Response to Tree Age and Resource Availability" (2026). Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026. 10.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/library_studentposters_2026/10

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2026-03-26

Language

English

College

Life Sciences

Department

Plant and Wildlife Sciences

University Standing at Time of Publication

Senior

Copyright Use Information

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/