Abstract

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal communities of Pinus densiflora were studied along a chronosequence. Four age classes were sampled: 5, 30, 55 and 80 year-old. Morphotyping (anatomical and morphological identification) and molecular analysis (internal transcribed spacer region amplification and sequencing) were used to identify ECM root tips. A total of 43 ECM morphotypes were distinguished, 38 of which were successfully sequenced. Cenococcum geophilum, Cortinarius sp.1, Rhizopogon sp.1, and Russula densifolia dominated the ectomycorrhiza community of P. densiflora. C. geophilum had its peak of abundance in the 5-year-old stand, R. densifolia in the 30 year-old stand and Cortinarius sp.1 in the 80 year-old stand. However abundance ofRhizopogon sp.1 differed little with stand age. ECM fungus species diversity indices increased with stand age along the chronosequence. ECM fungal species diversity was significantly higher in the 5 year-old than in the 30 year-old stand and 55 and 80 year-old stands had similar diversities.

Key words: Diversity, ectomycorrhizal, ITS, Pinus densiflora.