Effects of Saprolegnia on Ambystoma Californiense

Evaluating the Effects of Saprolegnia on the Development of Ambystoma californiense Eggs

Presenter: Clarissa Penner

Co-Presenter(s):
Victoria Brunal, Dave Cook

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 20-21

Semester: Spring

Faculty Mentor: Wendy St. John

Department: Biology

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1nIshygdssewUP-5jIYQb1HrR3syRPFy-

Abstract:
Around the world, infectious diseases have become more prevalent and are threatening bioversity at alarming rates (Romansic et al 2009). On Alton Preserve in Santa Rosa, an isolated population of California Tiger Salamanders (CTS – Ambystoma californiense). breed annually in vernal pools. Small strands of eggs are laid on vegetation (2-6 eggs) within the pools. Egg surveys conducted at reproductive pools found evidence of invasion of a water mold Saprolegnia (family Saprolegniaceae).The aim of this study is to understand how a fungal pathogen may affect the development of egg sites with abiotic stressors such as drought conditions within the species Ambystoma californiense.