Foliar endophytes in trees varying greatly in age

Abstract Temple trees, including the gymnosperm Platycladus orientalis and angiosperm Styphnolobium japonicum , have been planted in China for thousands of years. Tree age thus varies widely from young to ancient trees. Foliar endophytes P. S. were surveyed this exploratory study that was based on isolation into culture sequencing fungi trees varying 10 5000 years ( ) 1700 ). Sequenced belonged 24 16 fungal genera, respectively. Principal components analysis showed 14 necessary explain 90% variance endophyte community structure . In eight needed 90%. It is against backdrop complex etiology structuring, relative frequencies (abundances) 17 9 significantly correlated with tree age. There two major trends. Abundant genera [ Fusarium + Alternaria = 74.57% 81.24% )] tended decline linearly Most rare contrast, increased abundance Diversity (H′) richness (Margalef) communities foliage as aged. Relative abundances pathogenic endophytes, or latent pathogens, Pestalotiopsis funerea Amyloporia subxantha ; Collectotrichum gloeosporioides Botryosphaeria dothidea also aged.Since leaf does not vary deciduous nor evergreen ‘tree age’ currently lacks a mechanistic explanation its apparent importance among common foliar endophytes.