Ectomycorrhizal diversity and community structure in oak forest stands exposed to contrasting anthropogenic impacts

We compared the ectomycorrhizal community structure of oak forest stands located in either an urban or a rural area. Urban stands had higher N deposition rates, soil heavy metal levels, and earthworm counts than rural stands. Ectomycorrhizal types were quantified on roots of mature oak (Quercus) in soil cores and on Quercus rubra L. seedlings grown in soil cores in the glasshouse. Twenty-six ectomycorrhizal types were distinguished on mature oak in rural soils versus 16 in urban soils. Nine ectomycorrhizal types were distinguished on Q. rubra seedlings grown in rural soils versus seven in urban soils. Despite fewer ectomycorrhizal types in urban soils, richness of ectomycorrhizal types per centimetre fine root of mature oak or Q. rubra seedlings did not differ between urban and rural soils. Ectomycorrhizal colonization (ectomycorrhizal tips/m fine root) was lower in urban than rural soil cores but higher on Q. rubra seedlings grown in urban versus rural soils. Fine root length per unit soil volume was higher in urban than rural stands. No difference in fine root length was observed between Q. rubra seedlings grown in urban and rural soils. These differences in ectomycorrhizal community structure between the urban and rural stands are likely due to anthropogenic impacts.Key words: air pollution, anthropogenic impacts, community structure, diversity, ectomycorrhiza, Quercus rubra.

Influence of fungal propagules during the early stage of the time sequence of ectomycorrhizal colonization on Afzelia africana seedlings

A sequence of ectomycorrhizal colonization was observed on lateral roots of Afzelia africana Sm. seedlings. Four ectomycorrhizal types were obtained by a baiting method. Among the four types, two were recognized as occurring first in the ectomycorrhizal colonization sequence and the others occurred later. This sequence of ectomycorrhizal colonization was interpreted as follows: initial ectomycorrhizal types were related to the presence of vegetative propagules in the soil (mycorrhizal root fragments, fragments of mycelial strands, and sclerotia) and to the ability of the hyphae from these propagules to grow and quickly colonize Afzelia root systems. The time required for mycorrhizal colonization from spores, however, would be much longer. The types of mycorrhizal symbionts that were established first did not affect subsequent mycorrhizal colonization. An ultrastructural study suggested that vegetative propagules could function either as structures for long-term survival of the fungus in the soil or as structures for immediate opportunistic root colonization. Key words: ectomycorrhizal colonization, baiting method, fungal propagules, early stage fungi, Afzelia africana.

Impact of clearcutting and slash burning on ectomycorrhizal associations of Douglas-fir seedlings

The effect of clear-cutting, with and without slash burning, on ectomycorrhizal formation of Douglas-fir seedlings (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. menziesii) was studied in field and greenhouse bioassays. Twelve ectomycorrhizal types were found in three western Cascade Mountain sites on seedlings planted in soils exchanged among burned and unburned portions of clear-cuts and undisturbed forest. Rhizopogon sp. and an unidentified brown type consistently formed at least two-thirds of the ectomycorrhizal root tips. Regardless of soil origin, more ectomycorrhizae formed in clear-cuts than in undisturbed forest (primarily due to more brown mycorrhizae). Soil origin did not affect total numbers of ectomycorrhizae; however, more different types formed in undisturbed forest soils than in clear-cut soils, irrespective of aboveground environment. More nonmycorrhizal tips occurred in clear-cut soils. Seedlings grown in the same soils formed the same proportions of Rhizopogon and brown types in field and greenhouse, but not the same proportions of less common ectomycorrhizal types. Soil pasteurization increased root-tip numbers. Inoculated soils (1 part nonpasteurized: 9 parts pasteurized) produced as many ectomycorrhizae as nonpasteurized field soils and generally fewer tips than pasteurized soils. Formation of major (but not minor) ectomycorrhizal types on all sites was influenced more by aboveground changes that accompany clear-cutting and site preparation than by alterations in soil chemistry or biology.