Effects of Stand Types on Ectomycorrhizal Fungal Community Composition and Structure of Pinus massoniana in Subtropical Mountain Forest Ecosystems

Abstract

Tree species composition in forest ecosystems is an important biological factor affecting the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF). However, little is known about the composition and diversity of EMF communities associated with Pinus massoniana in different P. massoniana association habitats (MpAHs) in subtropical mountains. This study investigated the EMF community characteristics of P. massoniana in different MpAHs using plant community surveys, soil property analyses, and mycorrhizal identification. A total of 56 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), belonging to 20 families and 22 genera, were identified. OTU richness of Basidiomycota (58.93%) was higher than that of Ascomycota (41.07%). Unclassified Helotiales, Russula, Lactarius, and Tomentella were the dominant groups. Different stand types significantly altered the EMF communities of P. massoniana (p < 0.05, for Shannon index) and the associations of P. massoniana + Populus adenopoda (Mp_Pa) had the highest diversity of EMF, while P. massoniana + Cunninghamia lanceolata (Mp_Cl) had the lowest diversity. The number of specific OTUs was higher than shared OTUs. Similarity index and principal coordinate analysis indicated that the EMF communities of P. massoniana varied significantly in different MpAHs (R2 = 0.21, p = 0.001). The linear regression model showed that the EMF diversity of P. massoniana was positively related to tree species diversity, indicating that the EMF diversity of P. massoniana is influenced by tree species diversity. The findings provide a reasonable reference for tree species configuration in the process of mixed transformation or near-natural management of plantations.