In this study we aimed to find out how macrofungi richness and sporocarp production varies in relation to both canopy cover and proximity of crown projection area, in order to discuss strategies and point out management actions that ensure macrofungal communities sustainability in montado ecosystems. The sporocarp survey was conducted once every two weeks, from October to February, between 2007 and 2009 in two representative sites of the most common (cork and holm oak) open montado ecosystems in southern Portugal. Results showed that canopy cover strongly shaped macrofungal communities composition and yield. Denser canopy cover enhanced mycorrhizal richness and reduced saprotrophic yield. Furthermore, mycorrhizal richness and yield increased with tree proximity. Finally some forest management strategies are suggested in order to enhance macrofungal richness and productivity, in montado ecosystems.

Due to their complex structure and traditional low-intensity management, Portuguese oak woodland rangelands known as montados are often considered high nature value (HNV) farming systems, and as such, they may be deemed eligible for subsidies and incentives by governmental and nongovernmental agencies. Too little is known about how the HNV concept might be applied to conserve complex silvopastoral systems. These systems, due to their structural and functional complexity at multiple scales, tend to support high levels of biodiversity. Montados are in sharp decline as a result of the rapid specialization of land management that, through simplification, undermines multifunctionality. Understanding how changes in management influence these systems and their biodiversity is needed for prioritizing conservation efforts and for ensuring they remain HNV systems. On the basis of a field survey in 58 plots distributed among 29 paddocks on 17 farms, we conducted an integrated analysis of the relationship between grazing intensity and biodiversity in montados of similar biophysical and structural characteristics. Data on management were obtained through interviews, and biodiversity data (vegetation, macrofungi, birds, herpetofauna) were obtained through specific field protocols. Additional spatial data, such as soil characteristics, slope, land cover, and linear landscape elements, were also analyzed. The results show no overall biodiversity variation as a result of different management practices. However, different groups of species react differently to specific management practices, and within a pasture, grazing impacts are heterogenous. In low grazing intensity plots, macrofungi species richness was found to be higher, while bird species richness was lower. Using tree regeneration as proxy for montado sustainability, results show less tree regeneration in areas with higher forage quality and more intense grazing. Pathways for future progress are proposed, including creating areas within a paddock that attract grazing away from where regeneration is desired.

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Stone pine (Pinus pinea L.), like other conifers, forms ectomycorrhizas (ECM), which have beneficial impact on plant growth in natural environments and forest ecosystems. An in vitro co-culture of stone pine microshoots with pure mycelia of isolated ECM sporocarps was used to overcome the root growth cessation not only in vitro but also to improve root development during acclimation phase. Pisolithus arhizus (Scop.) Rauschert and Lactarius deliciosus (L. ex Fr.) S.F. Gray fungi, were collected, pure cultured and used in in vitro co-culture with stone pine microshoots. Samples of P. arhizus and L. deliciosus for the in vitro co-cultures were collected from the pine stands southwest Portugal. The in situ characterization was based on their morphotypes. To confirm the identity of the collected material, ITS amplification was applied using the pure cultures derived from the sporocarps. Additionally, a molecular profile using PCR based genomic fingerprinting comparison was executed with other genera of Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes. Our results showed the effectiveness of the techniques used to amplify DNA polymorphic sequences, which enhances the characterization of the genetic profile of ECM fungi and also provides an option to verify the fungus identity at any stage of plant mycorrhization.

No abstract

Terfezia species are obligate symbiotic partners of several xerophytic host plants, mainly belonging to the Cistaceae. Yet, their mycorrhizal associations with members of the genus Cistus remain poorly characterized and their potential application in desert truffle cultivation remains unexplored. This work provides the first anatomic descriptions of the mycorrhizae formed in vitro by four Terfezia species (i.e., T. arenaria; T. extremadurensis; T. fanfani, T. pini) with C. ladanifer and C. salviifolius, two of the most widespread and common Cistus species in acidic soils. All the tested associations resulted in the formation of ectomycorrhizae with well-developed Hartig net, but with a varying degree of mantle development. Our results also demonstrate that all the experimented Terfezia-Cistus combinations expressed high mycorrhization rates. Moreover, the present work shows that C. salviifolius and C. ladanifer are suitable plant hosts for Terfezia species, including some that are, to date, known to be only associated with annual herbs or tree species. This new evidence might aid in broadening the number of situations whereby Terfezia spp. can be cultivated in acid soils.

A new Terfezia species associated with Tuberaria guttata, Terfezia lusitanica sp. nov., is described from Spain and Portugal. This claim it’s based on the specimen’s distinct morphology and unique ITS-rDNA sequence. Macro and micro descriptions and phylogenetic analyses of ITS data are provided for T. lusitanica and discussed in relation to similar spiny-spored Terfezia species. T. lusitanica differs morphologically from other spiny-spored Terfezia, that share the same habitat, by the combination of its ochre peridium colour and spores size, and in its ITS nrDNA sequence from all other ITS sequenced Terfezia species. Among the morphologically similar species, T. fanfani has a reddish peridium, T. extremadurensis has distinctly larger spores and tuber-like gleba, and T. cistophila has smaller spores, a spermatic odour, and is never found in association with T. guttata.

During ectomycorrhizal (ECM) establishment, biochemical signals lead to the development of complex structures in both the plant and the fungus that ultimately result in the formation of an ectomycorrhiza. The cross-talk between partners begins before physical contact. Our objective was to investigate the chemical nature of the signals during the first stages of in vitro mycorrhization of Pinus pinea with Pisolithus arhizus. For this purpose a double-phase solidÁliquid medium was expressly developed for the co-culture in order to simplify the extraction and further molecules analysis. O-coumaric acid ester was identified using HPLCÁUV and LCÁDADÁMS on the second day of co-culture and its presence was detected for up to 10 days. These results contribute to the characterization of biochemical signals during pre-colonization involving conifer species and an ECM fungus, and demonstrate the suitability of the double-phase medium developed for the growth of both organisms and for the analysis of released chemical mediators.