The ectomycorrhizal status of Sistotrema sp. is shown by morphological-anatomical and molecular identification, confirming earlier reports about Sistotrema DNA in ectomycorrhizae (ECM). For molecular identification of the ECM nuclear rDNA ITS sequences obtained from mycorrhizal root tips and fruitbodies of Sistotrema sp. were compared. Blast searches using the Sistotrema sp. sequences as query were performed in GenBank and UNITE for comparison with previously published Sistotrema sequences. The morphological-anatomical characterization of the ECM used well-established protocols for the examination of all mantle parts and rhizomorphs in different sections and views including detailed illustrations. The ECM are irregularly monopodial-pyramidal, whitish ochre to yellow ochre, and woolly. Older ones become more greyish and silvery at some patches. Diagnostic anatomical characteristics are irregularly inflated emanating and rhizomorph hyphae, ampullately inflated clamps, and the occurrence of yellow drops within the hyphae. The plectenchymatous mantle shows ring-like arranged hyphae, and a slightly gelatinous matrix. The ECM of Sistotrema sp. are compared to those of other species that form distinctly ampullate hyphae in rhizomorphs, too. The anatomically most similar ECM to those of this Sistotrema specimen are those of Hydnum repandum.
The composition and the structure of the ectomycorrhizal (EM) community were investigated in seven European beech coppices, and differing for the year of the last cut (2–48 years), in Northern Italy. The research was conducted on the spatial and temporal distribution of the ectomycorrhizal species, to study if possible changes in the community could be correlated to the application year of these human practices, together with site variables (site slope, pH, C/N, Corg, Norg, soil moisture, exposure, altitude, and bedrock type). The preliminary results indicated that ectomycorrhization degree significantly changes between the organic and mineral horizons. The ecological indexes of richness and evenness showed significant variations in the sampled sites but were not correlated with either coppicing age or slope. EM species composition revealed a significant correlation with slope and soil moisture but not with shoot age. The coppice treatment seems to be not dangerous for the EM community structure, but additional studies are necessary to understand the possible application of the “short rotation” practices in this ecological context, as a sustainable activity, according to the new trends in European Union energetic policies. An EM resilient condition is supposed.
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