Ectomycorrhizal fungal community associated with autochthonous white poplar from Serbia

Abstract

We analyzed the community of ectomycorrhizal fungi of an autochthonous white poplar (Populus alba L.) stand in the Kovilj-Petrovaradin marshes (Serbia), and examined its seasonal dynamics. Ectomycorrhizal types were identified by combining morphological and anatomical descriptions with molecular methods (sequencing of ITS region of ribosomal DNA). In two seasons, 20 ectomycorrhizal types were recorded, from which 11 types were identified to the species level, six were determined to the genus level, two types were determined to the family level and one type remained unidentified. Number of ectomycorrhizal types, number of fine roots, percentage of vital mycorrhizal roots, diversity indexes and abundance of exploration types did not differ significantly between autumn and spring. During both seasons, the most abundant types were: Entoloma sp., Tuber maculatum, Cenococcum geophilum, Tuber rufum and Peziza sp. Due to the high variation of the ectomycorrhizal types-based Shannon-Weaver diversity index in poplar stands, and the fact that poplars form dual mycorrhizal association, this index is not recommended as a reliable index for bioindication in poplar.