Ectomycorrhizas of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) seedlings originating from seed in southwestern Alberta cut blocks

Abstract

Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.) seedlings, originating from seed in three southwestern Alberta cut blocks, were sampled to identify their ectomycorrhizal associates. Fourteen ectomycorrhizal taxa were identified, 10 were common to all three cut blocks, and 12 to two cut blocks. Individual seedlings were colonized by two fungal associates on average and never had more than six fungal associates at one sampling time. Total percent colonization of seedling roots was greater than 50% one year after seed germination and greater than 90% two years after seed germination. Species richness increased throughout the course of the study; however, all but two ectomycorrhizal taxa were found in mature forests nearby. Typical late-stage ectomycorrhizal fungi colonized regenerating lodgepole pine seedlings in the absence of refuge host plants; therefore, either these fungi remained viable in situ between harvesting and regeneration or they migrated back into the cut block once revegetation was initiated.Key words: lodgepole pine seedlings, ectomycorrhiza, percent relative abundance, Alberta cut blocks.