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Genetic Variation of Ectomycorrhizal Suillus granulatus Fruiting Bodies in Pinus strobus Stands

Summary

This research examined how mushroom colonies of Suillus granulatus form and spread in white pine forests. The study revealed that these fungi can create genetically diverse colonies through a combination of spore dispersal and underground growth. This has important implications for forest health and ecosystem functioning. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps understand how beneficial fungi spread in forest ecosystems • Provides insights for sustainable forest management practices • Contributes to knowledge about mushroom cultivation potential • Improves understanding of plant-fungal relationships in nature • May aid in conservation of forest ecosystems

Background

The collection and cultivation of economically valuable ectomycorrhizal mushrooms has been of great interest. These mushrooms initially spread by spores, form mycorrhizal symbioses with host plant roots, and produce fruiting bodies after forming mycelial colonies in soil. Suillus granulatus forms ectomycorrhizas with white pines and produces mushrooms in dense colonies, but their genets are poorly understood.

Objective

To identify and analyze the genet structure, size and distribution of Suillus granulatus mushroom populations in a 22-year-old Pinus strobus stand using random amplified polymorphic DNA molecular markers.

Results

From 116 total mushrooms collected, 73 distinct genets were identified across three locations. The genets of closely occurring mushrooms were genetically different from each other. Genet sizes ranged from 0.09 to 2.90m. The average number of mushrooms per genet was 1.2 to 2.3, with 44% to 94% of genets represented by single mushrooms. The colonies showed both circular and linear patterns.

Conclusion

The study revealed that S. granulatus genets varied significantly even when fruiting bodies occurred in close proximity, and became more diverse each year. This suggests that below-ground mycelial colonies can be sexually renewed through fusion with haploid hyphae from spores produced in mushroom gills, contributing to genetic diversity that may aid survival under changing environmental conditions.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Field Study,
  • Source: 10.5941/MYCO.2016.44.1.7
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