Ribosomal small subunit sequence variation within spores of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Scutellospora sp.

Roots of bluebell (Hyacinthoides nonscripta) were sampled from a woodland i n Yorkshire, UK and spores of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Scutellospor a sp., were obtained from the surrounding soil. Partial small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA sequences were amplified from both roots and spores using ei ther the universal forward primer SS38 or the Glomales-specific primer VANS 1, with the reverse Gigasporaceae-specific primer VAGIGA. Amplified product s were cloned and sequenced. Both spores and roots yielded sequences relate d to those known from fungi within the Glomales, with up to four distinct S SU sequences obtained from individual spores. The VANS1 primer-binding site varied considerably in sequence and only a subset of Scutellospora sequenc es were amplified when the VANS1 primer was used. In addition to glomalean sequences, a number of different sequences, apparently from ascomycetes, we re obtained from both root and spore samples.