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Ecological relationships among hypogeous fungi and trees: inferences from association analysis integrated with habitat modeling

     125 Ackert Hall, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506

A.W. Claridge

     New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, Threatened Species Unit, Southern Directorate, PO Box 2115, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620, Australia

J.M. Trappe

     Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-5752

T. Lebel

     Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, VIC 3141, Australia

D.L. Claridge

     School of Resources, Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200, Australia

Association analyses by contingency tables and generalized linear modeling were compared to infer relationships among hypogeous (belowground-fruiting) ectomycorrhizal fungi and potential host tree species from 136 study plots in forested habitats in southeastern mainland Australia. Results from both types of statistical approaches were highly congruent. As with previous experimental studies, no exclusive fungus-host tree associations were identified. However, the likelihood of occurrence of some species of fungi increased significantly in the presence of particular host tree species, suggesting fungal host preference or shared habitat preferences. Similarly, while most associations among fungal species were nonsignificant, a few taxa were more likely to be found in the presence of certain others. These were termed positively associated and are thought to share common climatic and microhabitat requirements or host preferences. In contrast, other combinations of fungal species were negatively associated with one another, perhaps indicating different habitat preferences. Furthermore, the finding that some fungi occurred more frequently in the presence of certain tree species provides a starting point for selection of compatible host-fungus combinations that could be used for forest nursery and restoration applications.

Key words: Acacia, Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, ectomycorrhizae, Eucalyptus, fungal communities, southeastern Australia