Recombination and local population structure of the root endophytic fungus Glutinomyces brunneus based on microsatellite analyses

Dispersal limitation can affect the distribution pattern of organisms. Little is known, however, about the dispersal ecology of root endophytic fungi such as Glutinomyces brunneus (Hyaloscyphaceae, Helotiales), whose dispersal structure has not been observed. To examine gene flow on a local (<8 km) scale, we collected G. brunneus isolates from three sites encompassing four Quercus serrata- and Castanopsis cuspidata-dominated subsites. No significant linkage disequilibrium was detected among seven of eight newly developed microsatellite loci, which indicates that recombination has taken place in this species. Significant population structure was observed on a site-wide scale, which suggests limited dispersal across sites and/or frequent within-site gene flow. At the same time, the occurrence of identical multilocus genotypes at different sites suggests the occurrence of dispersal events, possibly infrequent. Our results provide novel information on the local dispersal ability of root endophytic fungi. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd and British Mycological Society. All rights reserved.