Distribution of ectomycorrhizal fungi in a Chamaecyparis obtusa stand at different distances from a mature Quercus serrata tree

Ectomycorrhizal fungal distributions at different distances from one mature Quercus serrata tree were demonstrated in a Japanese cypress stand. After 4 months for field-planted and 3 months for laboratory-incubated Q. serrata seedlings, they were evaluated ectomycorrhiza formations. For the field-planted seedlings, molecular discrimination was conducted to clarify the species diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Ectomycorrhiza formation was confirmed at all distances in both methods. However, the formation and associating fungal species were decreased with increasing distance. These results indicate that the density and diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi decrease rapidly within several tens of meters from arbuscular mycorrhizal forest edges.

► Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal distribution was evaluated in arbuscular tree stand.
► Density and diversity of ECM fungi decreased from secondary to arbuscular stands.
► Distribution patterns of ECM fungi changed rapidly between forest edges.