Inter-generational consistency of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community in a mixed pine–cedar post-fire stand.

This article investigates the inter-generational consistency of ectomycorrhizal fungal (EMF) communities associated with roots of two cohabiting Pinaceae species, Pinus halepensis and Cedrus deodara, in a post-fire Mediterranean forest in Mt Meron, Israel. Using fungal ITS metabarcoding, the study found that EMF community composition differed mainly in relative abundance of fungal species rather than species turnover between saplings and mature trees, with Tomentella more abundant on pine roots and Tuber, Russula, and Sebacina more common on cedar roots. Notably, the identity and proximity of the nearest mature tree influenced the EMF community composition of saplings more than the sapling's own species identity, suggesting extrinsic factors like mature tree distribution shape EMF communities during regeneration. Additionally, the relative abundance of the EMF species Tuber nitidum correlated positively with cedar sapling branch number, indicating potential links between fungal identity and host morphology. These findings highlight the role of mature trees and their associated EMF in shaping belowground symbiotic communities critical for seedling establishment and forest regeneration after disturbance.