Gypsophilic soils are mainly composed of gypsum (calcium sulfate) and are prevalent in parched areas of Earth. These areas contain a large number of endemic plants; however limited information is available about plant adaptations and specific survival strategies including the association with fungal symbionts. Mycorrhizal fungi are found in the roots of more than 90% of plants; these fungi get carbohydrates from plants and in return they absorb minerals from the soil through its mycelia. Plants are also associated with endophytic fungi; these fungi associate with plants without causing apparent damage. Since these fungi are associated with plants, it is possible that a number of them may also have the ability to degrade cellulose with potential applications in the biofuel industry. The main objectives of this research project were to: 1. Evaluate fungal colonization patterns in roots of various gypsophilic plants from New Mexico; 2. Evaluate the effects of fungal isolates on germination and plant growth; 3. Identify fungal isolates associated with gypsophilic plants and evaluate their potential cellulolytic activity.

Roots were examined for eight gypsophilic plants: Nama carnosum, Calyophus hartwegii, Sporobolus nealleyi, Mentzelia sp., Tiquilia hispidissima , Nerisyrenia linearifolia, Acleisanthes lanceolatus, and Sartwellia flaveriae from New Mexico. Grasses such as Sporobolus nealleyi and Bouteloua gracilis (a non-gypsophilic) had the highest fungal colonization. Microscopic analysis indicates that gypsophilic plants were mainly colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal and dark septate fungi. Fungal identification using BLAST indicate that Alternaria sp. was the dominant fungus found in the leaves, and Monosporascus cannonballus was the dominant fungus found in the roots. Small-scale germination experiments were also conducted. An isolate within Pleosporales increased germination rates and growth for tobacco, arabidopsis, and tomato plants with respect to the controls. Fungi closely related to Phoma sp., and Alternaria complexes degraded cellulose while those closely related to M. cannonballus partially degraded cellulose. Based on colonization rates and diversity, fungal communities found in gypsophilic plants are complex and additional studies are necessary to evaluate their effect on plant survival and establishment.