Endophytic Fungi Pezicula radicicola in the Root Nodules of Actinorhizal Plants.

Based on analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the ITS regions, LSU gene fragments of rDNA, and cultural and morphological characteristics, species affiliation of six strains of mycelial fungi isolated from root nodules of actinorhizal plants in the subtropical zone (Corriaria myrtifolia, Myrica cerifera, and Eleagnus pungeus) was determined. The micromycetes studied were identified as Pezicula radicicola. Members of this species have not previously been revealed in the root nodules of actinorhizal plants. The possible functions and ecological role of Pezicula radicicola as mycosymbionts of actinorhizal plants are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]