Ectomycorrhizal Fungi in Eucalyptus and Pinus Plantations in Southern Brazil

The occurrence of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) was assessed during 4 seasons (1 yr) in 10 plantations of Eucalyptus spp. and Pinus spp. in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Forty-nine presumed EMF taxa representing 9 orders and 12 Families were identified, including epigeous and sequestrate species. Many are first reports for South America, and 3 are new species, Chondrogaster augustisporus, Descomyces giachinii, and Scleroderma bougheri. Fruiting patterns of EMF differed by host, and host specificity was apparent for some. Laccaria and Scleroderma were the prevalent genera throughout the year in both plantation types. The results of the study show that species richness of EMF in Brazil is higher than previously demonstrated.