Abstract• Introduction Millions of hectares of Quercus ilex forests dominate disturbed landscapes in the western part of the Mediterranean basin. Although these forests are very widespread, little is known about the composition and structure of their associated ectomycorrhizal fungal communities.• Results and discussion We examined seasonal patterns in ectomycorrhizal communities and their response to increased drought using a rainfall exclusion experiment established in a Q. ilex coppice since 2003. Ectomycorrhizae were sampled four times in [2007][2008][2009]. By sequencing fungal ITS, we identified 129 species in 1,147 sequenced ectomycorrhizal root tips. The fungal community in the surface organic horizon was well described by the logseries theoretical model, with 47.9% of singleton species. The composition of the community was strongly dominated by Basidiomycetes, with three families (Thelephoraceae, Russulaceae and Cortinariaceae) accounting for 72.9% of the root tips. Relative abundance of Russulaceae and Thelephoraceae showed pronounced seasonal shifts. Experimental reduction of rainfall resulted in significant shifts in community composition and seasonal fluctuations but had no effect on global richness of the community.• Conclusions Together, these results suggest that the predicted rainfall reduction in this region due to climate change will lead to shifts in species composition in ectomycorrhizal communities.
The aim of a joint effort by different research teams was to provide an improved procedure for enzyme activity profiling of field-sampled ectomycorrhizae, including recommendations on the best conditions and maximum duration for storage of ectomycorrhizal samples. A more simplified and efficient protocol compared to formerly published procedures was achieved by using manufactured 96-filter plates in combination with a vacuum manifold and by optimizing incubation times. Major improvements were achieved by performing the series of eight enzyme assays with a single series of root samples instead of two series, reducing the time needed for sample preparation, minimizing error-prone steps such as pipetting and morphotyping, and facilitating subsequent DNA analyses due to the reduced sequencing effort. The best preservation of samples proved to be storage in soil at 4-6 °C in the form of undisturbed soil cores containing roots. Enzyme activities were maintained for up to 4 weeks under these conditions. Short-term storage of washed roots and ectomycorrhizal tips overnight in water did not cause substantial changes in enzyme activity profiles. No optimal means for longer-term storage by freezing at -20 °C or storage in 100% ethanol were recommended.
Abstract· Introduction Phosphorus (P) is often the first or second element limiting aboveground net primary productivity of forests. Besides low available inorganic orthophosphate (Pi) concentrations, soil may contain high total P contents, as insoluble mineral P or as organic P. Most plants form mycorrhizal associations that improve their P nutrition. Three main hypotheses have been proposed to explain this positive effect through an increase of (1) P mobilisation from mineral P, (2) P mobilisation from organic P and (3) soil exploration and P uptake. However, the positive effect of mycorrhizal symbiosis may be variable with the fungal species forming the association. This could be due to the different abilities of mycorrhizal fungi to mobilise P and/or to take up Pi from the soil.· Objectives The aim of this review was to examine our current knowledge about the capacity of ectomycorrhizal fungi to release organic compounds as low-molecularweight organic anions and phosphatases thought to have a role for mineral and organic P mobilisation, respectively. The diversity of Pi transporters among mycorrhizal species is also examined.· Results The main conclusion is that the study of the functional diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi in situ is still a challenging question and could be addressed by combining different tools now available to make large-scale studies.
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