Endophytic fungi in Scots pine needles: spatial variation and consequences of simulated acid rain

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Botany
• Main Authors: Helander, M. L., Sieber, T. N., Petrini, O., Neuvonen, S.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1994
• Subjects: The Needle; Needles The; Subarctic
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/b94-135; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/b94-135

Within- and among-tree variation in assemblages of endophytic fungi in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) needles were studied in a subarctic area where background pollution values are low; the effects of tree density and prolonged simulated acid rain on the occurrence of endophytic fungi were investigated. The needle endophyte most frequently isolated was Cenangium ferruginosum, accounting for 64% of all fungal individuals, followed by Cyclaneusma minus (12% of all individuals). Old needles were colonized more frequently by endophytes than young ones. In young needles the colonization by endophytes increased during the summer, whereas in old ones no seasonal variation was detected. Endophyte colonization was positively correlated with stand density and was reduced on pines treated with spring water acidified with either sulphuric acid alone or in combination with nitric acid. In contrast, nitric acid alone did not affect endophyte colonization. Key words: endophytes, needles, pine, Pinus, simulated acid rain, stand density.