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Mycelial communities associated with Ostrya carpinifolia, Quercus pubescens and Pinus nigra in a patchy Sub-Mediterranean Karst woodland

Summary

This research studied how fungi living in soil connect to different tree roots in a rocky Mediterranean forest in Slovenia. Scientists found that different tree species have their own preferred fungal partners, though some fungi work with multiple trees. The fungi with longer connections through soil were more common under pine trees, while fungi with shorter reach were more common under oak and hornbeam trees.

Background

Ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi form symbiotic associations with tree roots and may facilitate nutrient and water redistribution through common mycorrhizal networks in harsh environments. The Sub-Mediterranean Karst ecosystem in Slovenia is characterized by shallow soils and frequent summer droughts where such networks could benefit tree survival.

Objective

This study investigated the mycelial communities and diversity of EcM fungi associated with three tree species (Ostrya carpinifolia, Quercus pubescens, and Pinus nigra) in a patchy Sub-Mediterranean Karst woodland over two consecutive years to assess symbiont sharing and community structuring.

Results

Approximately 70% of fungal OTUs were shared across tree species, but distinct community compositions emerged showing host tree specificity. Q. pubescens exhibited greater EcM richness stability between years, while P. nigra showed lower richness and reliance on conifer-specific fungi. O. carpinifolia and Q. pubescens hosted predominantly short-distance exploration type EcM fungi, whereas P. nigra fungi had higher spatial spread.

Conclusion

Host tree specificity, soil parameters, spatial proximity, and climatic variability are critical factors structuring mycelial communities in fragmented forests. The results emphasize the importance of understanding symbiont sharing patterns for managing EcM fungi in stressed Sub-Mediterranean ecosystems.
  • Published in:Mycorrhiza,
  • Study Type:Observational Field Study,
  • Source: 40711584
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