Abstract
Forest fires constitute widespread and potentially destructive disturbances in forest ecosystems, particularly negative impact on soil mycorrhizal fungi which are major players of the belowground plant. This study investigated the short-term effects of wildfire on fungal communities in Left-Bank Ukraine with special emphasis on mycorrhizal fungi. During the fourteen months after autumn wildfire, fruiting bodies found in the plots were identified, and their mycological richness, diversity and production in both burned and unburnt areas were measured. Total fungal diversity decreased in burned plots, where fungal richness and diversity of mycorrhizal species were significantly lower. Our results also confirmed the data on a rather destructive influence of post-fire forest management on fungal diversity. Only three mycorrhizal fungi associated with Pinus sylvestris L. were common to both sites while pyrophilic species were in close association with burned sites.
 3 Figs., 1 Table, 31 Refs.
 Key words: mycorrhiza, pine plantation, post-fire erosion, wildfire.
Highlights
Due to a high significance of Pinus sylvestris L. for the environment and Ukrainian forest economy, pine stands are among the most important in Ukrainian forests, and occupy vast areas of poor sandy soil and degraded habitats
This study investigated the short-term effects of wildfire on fungal communities in Left-Bank Ukraine with special emphasis on mycorrhizal fungi
The results indicate that the species composition recorded after wildfire and in one-year-old burnt sites was quantitatively and qualitatively different from those of unburnt plots
Summary
Due to a high significance of Pinus sylvestris L. for the environment and Ukrainian forest economy, pine stands are among the most important in Ukrainian forests, and occupy vast areas of poor sandy soil and degraded habitats Since this species is tolerant of poor soil, drought, wind and frost, a pine breeding programme was initiated in the middle 1950s (Los et al 2015) where plus pine trees were carefully selected taking into account their growth rate and form traits. As post-fire reforestation projects are increasingly observed, the investigation of seedling mycorrhization impact on growth and survival of host plants is of particular interest Such investigations in Ukraine are still fragmentary (Danilenko 2013; Ugarov et al 2013), this information can be of particular practical importance for forest health. Controlled mycorrhization and biological and chemical protective treatments are applied, and pests and pathogens are actively eliminated (Recommendations 2014)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
