Effects of resin tapping on ectomycorrhizal fungal community composition and structure of Pinus massoniana in subtropical mountain forest ecosystems in southwestern China

Although resin tapping is an important management practice in Pinus massoniana plantation, our understanding of its influence on symbiotic ectomycorrhizal fungal (EMF) communities associated with P. massoniana remains limited. To determine the effect of resin tapping on the EMF community, this study observed the EMF community in resin-tapped (RT) and resin-untapped (NRT) P. massoniana plantation using community surveys, soil property analysis, and mycorrhizal identification. A total of 49 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), belonging to 15 families and 18 genera, were identified. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Basidiomycota and Ascomycota accounted for 82.46% and 17.54% of the total population, respectively. Resin tapping significantly altered the composition and structure of the EMF community of P. massoniana, and the number of endemic OTUs was higher than that of the shared OTUs. Lactarius and Tomentella were dominant in RT plantation, and Russula and Tomentella were dominant in NRT plantations. There was no significant difference in the alpha diversity of EMF communities between RT and NRT Plantation. Principal coordinates analysis revealed marked differences in the composition of EMF communities between R and NR plantation. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that available K, total N, and urease were important factors influencing the EMF community of P massoniana. In conclusion, resin tapping affects the composition and structure of EMF communities associated with P. massoniana plantation in subtropical mountain ecosystems.

Automated summary

Despite the importance of resin tapping, its influence on the EMF communities associated with Pinus massoniana is not well understood. This study found that resin tapping significantly altered the composition and structure of the EMF community.