Studies of Paleozoic Fungi Iv: Wall Ultrastructure of Fossil Endogonaceous Chlamydospores

ABSTRACT

Fossil endogonaceous chlamydospores are described from the aerial axes and roots of several Paleozoic plants preserved in calcilutite nodules and calcareous coal balls. Specimens come from six Paleozoic localities extending from the uppermost Lower Devonian through the Upper Pennsylvanian. Although fossil chlamydospores are markedly similar to the modern Endogonaceae in transmitted light, ultrastructural comparisons have not previously been made. The fine structure of the walls of these spores is consistent with past interpretations which relate them to the modern Endogonaceae, but thorough comparisons cannot be made due to the lack of comparable ultrastructural information from extant VA mycorrhizae. The evidence from mycorrhizal associations in the fossil record is evaluated.

Key Words:

• chlamydospore
• Endogonaceae
• fossil fungi
• vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae
• wall ultrastructure