Intertwined pine roots and fungal networks

Unlocking Forest Secrets: How Molecular Science Is Revolutionizing Sustainable Pine Management

Rhea Morgan in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Delve into the groundbreaking research identifying key ectomycorrhizal fungi crucial for thriving Mediterranean pine ecosystems."

Forests are more than just collections of trees; they're complex ecosystems where plants, fungi, and microorganisms engage in intricate relationships. Among these, the symbiotic partnership between trees and ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) stands out. ECM fungi colonize plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and boosting overall plant health. This is particularly important in environments where resources are scarce or environmental conditions are challenging.

In Portugal, stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) forests play a crucial ecological and economic role. Like other pines, stone pines rely on ECM fungi to thrive. Understanding which fungi are associated with these trees and how they interact is vital for sustainable forest management.

Traditional methods of identifying fungi can be time-consuming and limited. However, molecular techniques, such as DNA sequencing and PCR fingerprinting, offer a more precise and efficient way to characterize these essential organisms. This article explores how these advanced methods are helping researchers unlock the secrets of ECM fungi in Portuguese pine forests.

Molecular Tools Uncover Fungal Diversity

Intertwined pine roots and fungal networks

One study, detailed in the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, delved into the molecular characterization of ECM fungi associated with Mediterranean pine stands in Portugal. Researchers used an in vitro co-culture method, combining stone pine microshoots with pure mycelia of isolated ECM sporocarps. This approach helped overcome the limitations of root growth in vitro and improved root development during the acclimation phase.

The fungi of focus were Pisolithus arhizus and Lactarius deliciosus, both known to form beneficial relationships with pine trees. Samples were collected from pine stands in southwest Portugal, and their identities were confirmed using ITS (internal transcribed spacer) amplification. Additionally, a molecular profile was created using PCR-based genomic fingerprinting, allowing comparison with other fungi.

The study's key findings highlighted the effectiveness of these molecular techniques:

DNA polymorphic sequences were successfully amplified, enhancing the characterization of the genetic profile of ECM fungi.
The techniques provided a reliable way to verify the fungus identity at any stage of plant mycorrhization.
The use of M13-PCR fingerprinting proved valuable for monitoring different species of Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes.

The researchers found that Pisolithus arhizus showed 99-100% sequence similarity among isolates, while Lactarius deliciosus also exhibited high homology. These findings not only confirmed the identities of the fungi but also demonstrated the power of molecular tools in accurately characterizing these species. The genetic profiles generated through M13-PCR further differentiated the fungi, providing insights into their intraspecies variations.

Implications for Sustainable Forestry

This research underscores the importance of understanding the complex relationships within forest ecosystems. By accurately identifying and characterizing ECM fungi, forest managers can develop more targeted strategies for promoting forest health and resilience. Inoculating pine seedlings with specific beneficial fungi can enhance their growth, improve their ability to withstand environmental stressors, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of pine forests. Molecular techniques provide a powerful toolkit for unlocking the secrets of these vital symbiotic partnerships and ensuring the health of our forests for generations to come.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/s1517-83822013005000035, Alternate LINK

Title: Molecular Approach To Characterize Ectomycorrhizae Fungi From Mediterranean Pine Stands In Portugal

Subject: Microbiology

Journal: Brazilian Journal of Microbiology

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Carla Ragonezi, A. Teresa Caldeira, M. Rosário Martins, Cátia Salvador, Celeste Santos-Silva, Elsa Ganhão, Krystyna Klimaszewska, Amely Zavattieri

Published: 2013-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why are ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) so important for pine tree ecosystems?

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) are crucial because they form a symbiotic relationship with trees, colonizing plant roots to enhance nutrient uptake and boost overall plant health. This is especially vital in resource-scarce or challenging environments, allowing trees like the stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) to thrive. Without ECM, pine trees would struggle to obtain necessary nutrients and withstand environmental stressors, affecting their growth and survival.

How do molecular techniques improve the identification of ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) compared to traditional methods?

Molecular techniques, such as DNA sequencing and PCR fingerprinting, offer a more precise and efficient method for identifying and characterizing ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) compared to traditional methods. These techniques enable researchers to accurately verify fungus identity at any stage and create detailed genetic profiles, providing insights into intraspecies variations. Traditional methods are often time-consuming and limited in their ability to differentiate between fungal species.

Which specific fungi were studied, and how were molecular techniques employed to analyze them?

The study focused on Pisolithus arhizus and Lactarius deliciosus. Researchers used an in vitro co-culture method with stone pine microshoots and pure mycelia of these fungi. The identity of the fungi was confirmed using ITS (internal transcribed spacer) amplification, and a molecular profile was created using PCR-based genomic fingerprinting. This approach helped in overcoming limitations of root growth in vitro and improved root development during the acclimation phase.

What is the value of using M13-PCR fingerprinting in monitoring fungal species within forest ecosystems?

M13-PCR fingerprinting is valuable for monitoring different species of Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes by creating detailed genetic profiles that differentiate between them. These profiles enable researchers to identify and track various fungal species within an ecosystem, enhancing our understanding of fungal diversity and community composition. This level of detailed monitoring is essential for effective forest management and conservation efforts.

What are the practical implications of understanding the genetic diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) for sustainable forestry practices?

Understanding the genetic diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) like Pisolithus arhizus and Lactarius deliciosus has significant implications for sustainable forestry. Forest managers can use this knowledge to develop targeted strategies, such as inoculating pine seedlings with specific beneficial fungi to enhance their growth and resilience. This approach promotes long-term forest health, improves the ability of pine trees to withstand environmental stressors, and ensures the sustainability of pine forests for future generations. By understanding the specific intraspecies variations in the fungi, forest managers can ensure they are using the most effective strains for inoculation.