Habitat- and soil-related drivers of the root-associated fungal community of Quercus suber in the Northern Moroccan forest.

ABSTRACT: Soil fungi associated with plant roots, notably ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi, are central in above- and below-ground interactions in Mediterranean forests. They are a key component in soil nutrient cycling and plant productivity. Yet, major disturbances of Mediterranean forests, particularly in the Southern Mediterranean basin, are observed due to the greater human pressures and climate changes. These disturbances highly impact forest cover, soil properties and consequently the root-associated fungal communities. The implementation of efficient conservation strategies of Mediterranean forests is thus closely tied to our understanding of root-associated fungal biodiversity and environmental rules driving its diversity and structure. In our study, the root-associated fungal community of Q. su

SUBMITTER: Maghnia FZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5695781 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature