Investigating Host Preference of Root Endophytes of Three European Tree Species, with a Focus on Members of the Phialocephala fortinii - Acephala applanata Species Complex (PAC)

• Published in: Journal of fungi (Basel) 2021-04, Vol.7 (4), p.317
• Main Authors: Stroheker, Sophie, Dubach, Vivanne, Vögtli, Irina, Sieber, Thomas N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acer pseudoplatanus; Endophytes; Fraxinus excelsior; Fungi; Host preferences; Ilyonectria; Mycosphaerellaceae; Neonectria; Picea abies; Roots; Software; Species; Trees
• ISSN: 2309-608X; 2309-608X
• DOI: 10.3390/jof7040317

Host preference of root endophytes of the three European tree species of Norway spruce ( ), common ash ( ), and sycamore maple ( ) were investigated in two forest stands near Zurich, Switzerland. The focus was placed on members of the s.l. (sensu lato)- species complex (PAC), as well as other dark septate endopyhtes (DSE). PAC species were identified based on 13 microsatellite loci. Eleven PAC species were found, with , being the most frequent. All but cryptic species 12 (CSP12) preferred Norway spruce as a host. Though very rare in general, CSP12 was most frequently isolated from maple roots. Regarding the abundant PAC species, and , the preference of spruce as a host was least pronounced in , as it was also often isolated from ash and maple. It is the first record of PAC found on common ash ( ). , a close relative of PAC, has frequently been isolated from ash. Various species of the ( spp.) have often been isolated, particularly from maple roots. By comparison, spp. ( spp.) was found to be abundant on all three hosts. exhibits a clear preference for spruce.