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Metabarcoding Unveils Seasonal Soil Microbiota Shifts and Their Influence on Boletus edulis and Boletus reticulatus Mycelium in Quercus robur Stands

Summary

This research studied how soil bacteria and fungi change across fall months in oak forests in Spain and how these changes relate to the growth of valuable edible mushrooms (Boletus species). Scientists used DNA analysis to identify thousands of different microorganisms in the soil. They found that September had the most diverse microbial communities, October showed a decline, and November saw partial recovery. Importantly, Boletus mycelium showed different patterns of growth depending on the month and was associated with specific beneficial bacteria and fungi.

Background

Forest ecosystems experience seasonal shifts in bacterial and fungal communities, but little is known about the microbiota associated with Quercus robur-Boletus edulis systems. This study investigates seasonal changes in soil microbiota in pedunculate oak habitats in Galicia, Spain, and their relationship with Boletus mycelium prevalence and concentration.

Objective

To assess soil microbiota richness, diversity and assemblage in pedunculate oak stands across autumn months; to investigate changes in prevalence and concentration of B. edulis and B. reticulatus mycelia; and to identify key soil bacteria and fungi correlating with Boletus mycelium concentration.

Results

Bacterial communities were dominated by Acidobacteria (34%) and Proteobacteria (33%), while fungal communities were primarily Basidiomycota (93%) led by Russula (46%). Highest OTU richness occurred in September with significant decrease in October and partial recovery in November. B. edulis mycelium concentration increased in November while B. reticulatus peaked in October, with positive correlations found between Boletus species and specific bacterial and fungal taxa.

Conclusion

This study provides novel insights into seasonal dynamics of soil microbiota in Q. robur stands and identifies specific bacterial and fungal taxa potentially influencing Boletus ecology. The findings advance understanding of host-microbe interactions and fungal-bacterial interactions in temperate forest ecosystems.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Observational Field Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41011527, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13092196
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