Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Wood inhabiting fungal communities are critical to improving the productivity and diversity of broadleaved forest trees in Sweden. These fungi can enhance soil fertility by decomposing organic matter and reveal other pathogenic or mutualistic fungi in the communities. In this study, the aim was to identify wood inhabiting fungi of hybrid poplar (Populus trichocarpa x P. maximowiczii), aspen (Populus tremula), hybrid aspen (Populus tremula. × P. tremuloides) and birch (Betula pendula), both naturally regenerated birch and improved birch. The study was conducted in Skåne, Sweden at seven stands of hybrid aspen, poplar, and birch, and three stands dominated by broadleaves (two natural reserves and a national park). Five wood samples (one per tree type) were collected (total was 120) and transported to the university lab , then DNA was extracted by using a C tab protocol. Samples were sent for metabarcoding. In total, 809 fungal species were identified with 270 saprotrophic species and 23 pathotrophic species. Overall, each tree species had unique fungal communities and there were more similarities in fungal ASVs within plant genera. According to the alpha diversity, hybrid poplar and hybrid aspen had higher diversity than birch, specifically with improved birch. There was no significant influence of the overstory canopy (stand type) to the diversity of wood associating fungal communities in poplar, aspen, hybrid aspen, birch and improved birch.