Distribution and Ecology of Pisolithus tinctorius on Bituminous Stripmine Spoils in Western Pennsylvania

Abstract

MEDVE, R. J. and S. M. GILL (Dept. Biol., Slippery Rock State Coll., Slippery Rock, PA 16057). Distribution and ecology of Pisolithus tinctorius on bituminous stripmine spoils in western Pennsylvania. Torrey Bot. Club 109: 35-38. 1982-The increase in bituminous coal spoils revegetated with conifers has resulted in an increase in favorable conditions for the growth of Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker and Couch. This ectomycorrhizal fungus was found associated with seven conifers and two hardwoods growing on bituminous spoils. Larix leptolepis and Picea glauca are two new records as Pisolithus associates. Tree species averaged 1.5-4.4 basidiocarps per tree with an average basidiocarp dry weight of 52.19 g. More than one-third of Pinus strobus trees were associated with Pisolithus basidiocarps. Most tree species had less than 1% of the trees associated with Pisolithus basidiocarps. Approximately 98% of the basidiocarps were found in a zone up to 162 cm from the outside of the tree dripline. This zone was sparsely vegetated and averaged 11% ground cover. No Pisolithus basidiocarps were found on limestone or sand-gravel spoils or bituminous spoils revegetated with grasses and legumes.