Temporal dynamics of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities in Shorea siamensis forest fragments

Abstract

Investigating the dynamics of ectomycorrhizal fungal (EMF) communities in seasonally dry tropical forests is essential for sustainable management and for understanding the resilience of this forest type in future climate change scenarios. EMF communities in secondary forest fragments with Shorea siamensis as a single host tree species in central Thailand were sampled seasonally for 2.5 y. Ten EMF taxa were identified from ectomycorrhizal morphotypes, with/tomentella-thelephora and/russula-lactarius as the dominant taxa. Seasonal differences in EMF diversity were not detected; the dominant morphotypes were present in both seasons and their abundance varied. Most EMF taxa exhibited wide environmental ranges and only a few taxa were correlated with soil moisture. Seasonal dynamics of ectomycorrhizal colonization was likely influenced by climatic factors and the phenology of host species. Together, these results suggested that climatic variation may have a long-term and subtle influence on the composition of ectomycorrhizal communities. • Ectomycorrhizal fungi in secondary Shorea siamensis forest fragments in Thailand. • Fungal taxa were common species found in deciduous dipterocarp forests. • Lack of seasonal differences in fungal community composition. • Root number and ectomycorrhizal colonization were influenced by precipitation. • Broad environmental ranges of ectomycorrhizal fungi imply resilience.