Beech Leaf Disease Severity Affects Ectomycorrhizal Colonization and Fungal Taxa Composition.

ABSTRACT: Beech leaf disease (BLD) is an emerging forest infestation affecting beech trees (Fagus spp.) in the midwestern and northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. BLD is attributed to the newly recognized nematode Litylenchus crenatae subsp. mccannii. First described in Lake County, Ohio, BLD leads to the disfigurement of leaves, canopy loss, and eventual tree mortality. Canopy loss limits photosynthetic capacity, likely impacting tree allocation to belowground carbon storage. Ectomycorrhizal fungi are root symbionts, which rely on the photosynthesis of autotrophs for nutrition and growth. Because BLD limits tree photosynthetic capacity, ECM fungi may receive less carbohydrates when associating with severely affected trees compared with trees without BLD symptoms.

SUBMITTER: Bashian-Victoroff C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10146144 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature