Quantum Dots: A New Technique to Assess Mycorrhizal Contributions to Plant Nitrogen Across a Fire-Altered Landscape

The overarching objective of our research is to develop a better understanding of the contributions of mycorrhizal fungi (root symbionts) to the nitrogen (N) nutrition of plants in habitat fragments in Southern California. We focused on habitat fragmentation because it is one of the most striking aspects of global change operating in Southern California. About 90% of coastal sage scrub habitat, for instance, has been lost due to urban development and agriculture. Nitrogen uptake is an important issue in restoration and conservation of remaining fragments, because the growth of many plant species is N limited.