In vitro shiro formation between the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Tricholoma matsutake and Cedrela herrerae in the Mahogany family (Meliaceae)

• We report an artificial symbiosis between Tricholoma matsutake and Cedrela herrerae.
• Tricholoma matsutake hyphae endophytically colonized the roots and formed shiro.
• Both above- and below-ground of C. herrerae were well developed by the symbiosis.
• This system may contribute to culturing matsutake and the endangered plant cedro.

Tricholoma matsutake is an ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete that associates with Pinaceae plants, forming a rhizospheric mycelial aggregate called “shiro” from which the prized “matsutake” mushrooms form. Here we document that T. matsutake associates in vitro with Andean Cedrela herrerae (Meliaceae) via root endophyte interactions and efficiently forms shiro. C. herrerae produces many branches, leaves, and lateral roots in association with T. matsutake, unlike C. odorata, which grows in the tropics and produces few leaves and branches in association with the symbiont. This symbiosis may be a unique approach to culturing matsutake as well as to cultivating endangered plant species in vitro.