Diversity and density of the EM fungal community present in high elevation Fraser fir forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A three-year study in the high-elevation Fraser fir forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park revealed that ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal diversity and density were significantly higher in low regeneration plots compared to mature or sapling sites, with 11 decomposer and 33 EM species identified. Laccaria species, particularly Laccaria laccata and its variety, dominated low regeneration treatments, suggesting potential for their use in Fraser fir reforestation efforts. The research also found that precipitation influenced fungal frequency, with higher values recorded in wetter years (2009). While sapling plots hosted the most frequent EM species, mature and sapling stands showed greater overall richness and diversity than low regeneration areas, likely due to limited Fraser fir establishment. Ongoing experiments are testing Laccaria inoculation for seedling survival in degraded sites.

Baird, R., Stokes, C. E., Frampton, J., Smith, B., Watson, C., Pilgrim, C., & Scruggs, M. (2014). Diversity and density of the EM fungal community present in high elevation Fraser fir forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. North American Fungi, 9(0), 1. https://doi.org/10.2509/naf2014.009.001