Environmental factors and host genetic variation shape the fungal endophyte communities within needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)

To determine the role of environmental and host genetic factors in shaping fungal endophyte communities we used culturing metabarcoding techniques to quantify taxa within healthy Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) needles a 7-y old provenance-progeny trial replicated at three sites. Both methods revealed community ascomycete basidiomycete dominated by needle pathogen Lophodermium seditiosum. Differences taxon composition diversity indices were highly significant among Within two sites, varied significantly provenances. Furthermore, differed maternal families provenances 11/15 7/15 comparisons involving culture data respectively. We conclude that both variation shape P. sylvestris needles.