Study of ectomycorrhizal fungi with beech trees in highland beech forests (Farim, Mazandaran province)

In this study, the ectomycorhizal fungi from beech trees in highland beech forests of Farim (Mazandaran province) were identified based on extraction of DNA from roots and sequencing the ITS region of nuclear ribosomal DNA. For this purpose, in the altitude of 1500-2100 meters A.S.L, 30 plot and one plant per each plot were selected randomly and samples were taken from roots in depths of 10 cm and 60 cm away from tree trunk. The DNA was extracted from classified root tips. ITS nrDNA was replicated and sequenced using ITS1F and ITS4B or ITS4 primer pairs. Comparison of the obtained sequences with sequences deposited in the gene NCBI database revealed the presence of 15 species of ectomycorrhizal fungi in the roots of these plants. Among the identified species, 12 species including Russula chloroides, Cortinarius trivialis, Russula brevipes, Russula faginea, Russula integriformis, Cortinarius rigens, Cortinarius alpinus, Cortinarius collinitus, Lactarius hepaticus, Lactarius chrysorrheus, Cortinarius alboaggregatus, and Hebeloma bulbiferum are reported for the first time to Iran mycoflora. The genus Cortinarius showed the highest species diversity in the studied area followed by Russula, Lactarius, and Inocybe. The identification of ectomycorrhizal fungi could help us use their potentials in the regeneration and optimal management programs of forests and plantations.