ECTOMYCORRHIZAL STATUS OF PINUS WALLICHIANA (BLUE PINE) GROWING IN HIMALAYAN MOIST TEMPERATE FORESTS OF PAKISTAN

The root system and morphotypes of Pinus wallichiana were investigated for symbiotic association of fungal communities by analyzing them at molecular level for the first time in Pakistan. From twenty one (21) soil cores, twenty three (23) molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) belonging to 11 genera were identified. These included Cortinarius, Helvella, Hymenoscyphus, Hypocrea, Inocybe, Nectria, Ophiocordyceps, Russula, Sebacinaceae, Suillus and Tomentella. Biodiversity, species richness and community structure of these fungi have been described with reference to this novel host. Hymenoschyphus sp. Trtsf14 was found to be most abundant taxon (30.61%), followed by Inocybe sp. MHNIT-01 (35.41%) and Suillus sibiricus (18.75%), respectively. Neither accumulation curve nor any species richness estimators approached an asymptote and thus more extensive sampling is suggested for completion of below ground fungal communities.