Dynamics of ectomycorrhizal mycobiota (Basidiomycota) communities on a former agricultural land (West Carpathians)

Abstract

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) are very important in fundamental forest ecosystems. They play a very important role in the succession process, e.g., afforestation of former agricultural areas. Species richness and relative abundance of ECM macromycetes fruiting bodies were determined in spruce monocultures of different ages. Fifty-one ECM species were found; the most dominant were Ramaria formosa, Hygrophorus pustulatus, Lactarius aurantiacus, L. rufus, Paxillus involutus, and others. The highest average abundance was found in a 21-year-old forest stand; the highest number of species was found in a 51-year-old stand. Average monthly temperature (p < 0.001), precipitation (p < 0.01), and soil carbon content (p < 0.05) had the most significant impact on the dynamics of species richness and abundance. The highest values of abundance and species richness were noted in summer 2016 and autumn 2017 and 2018. The highest values of mycorrhizal percentage were recorded in 21-year-old forest stands (41.95%), and the lowest values were recorded in 51-year-old stands (35.86%). Shannon index values (H´) indicate a slightly lower species diversity of ECM fungi in young stands (1.65) compared with older stands (1.71). The values of species richness and fruiting bodies abundance were statistically strongly significant (p < 0.001) during seasonality (month) and through the interaction (month/year). Amanita muscaria, Chalciporus piperatus, Russula aeruginea, and Suillus grevillei were found as indication species in the youngest stands. Amanita rubescens, Imleria badia, Inocybe lacera, and Tricholoma equestre were found as indication species in the oldest stands.