Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Investigation of Plant Interactions Across Common Mycorrhizal Networks Using Rotated Cores
Published on: March 26, 2019
Host effects on ectomycorrhizal fungal communities: insight from eight host species in mixed conifer-broadleaf
Takahide A Ishida1, Kazuhide Nara2, Taizo Hogetsu1
1Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan.
Abstract:
To advance our understanding of host effects on the community structure of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF), EMF communities were compared among different host species, genera and families in two mixed conifer-broadleaf forests in Japan. Using molecular identification methods we examined EMF root tips of eight coexisting species belonging to six genera (three families): Abies and Tsuga (Pinaceae), Betula and Carpinus (Betulaceae) and Fagus and Quercus (Fagaceae). In total, 205 EMF species were detected, and the total richness was estimated to exceed 300 species using major estimators. Of the 55 EMF species occurring three or more times, eight showed significantly biased host preference. A Mantel test showed a significantly negative correlation between EMF community similarity and host taxonomic distance. Detrended correspondence analysis separated EMF communities mainly by host taxonomic and successional status. Thus, EMF communities are similar on hosts with similar taxonomic and successional status. A significant proportion of EMF exhibited host specificity, which may contribute to the extremely diverse EMF community in conifer-broadleaf forests.
Related Concept Videos
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Microbe-Plant Interactions
Microbial Interactions: Mutualism
Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
Fungal Group Zygomycota
Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota
