Fungal endophytes and origins of decay in beech (Fagus sylvatica) sapwood

Sapwood comprises much above-ground forest biomass, but its mycobiome in living trees is largely unknown. Here, we characterize the endophytic fungal communities of functional sapwood young and mature beech (Fagus sylvatica) at multiple scales, from within individual to woodland sites across southern United Kingdom. Fungal community composition was determined using both culture-based molecular approaches two loci. Wood decay fungi, including those that cause heart rot, were detected approximately 80% all samples. differed according survey approach (high throughput sequencing vs. isolation fungi into culture) between geographic location trees, no significant patterns different heights or around their circumferences. ITS LSU more distinct taxa than culturing. However, primers yielded OTUs did primers, though identified unique OTUs. This highlights importance approaches, primer pairs, for better characterisation confidence results endophyte studies.