Research Starter Grant: Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and Supporting Activities

University Of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract DEB-0122445 Although methyl halides catalyze atmospheric ozone depletion, a significant portion of their sources remains undescribed. Ectomycorrhizal fungi may account for much of the "missing" source. This research will test the hypothesis that anthropogenic nitrogen deposition will alter production of methyl halides by ectomycorrhizal fungi, because nitrogen additions frequently reduce ectomycorrhizal growth. Nitrogen experiments will be conducted at three scales: on laboratory-grown cultures, on excised root tips with fungi, and on undisturbed soils in the field. This research will lead to refinements in estimates of current global methyl halide production, and consideration of consequences of nitrogen deposition for future methyl halide emission.