On temporal partitioning of a community of ectomycorrhizal fungi.

Several mechanisms may contribute to the high species richness often reported in ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal communities, including spatial and temporal partitioning. Here, we focus on temporal partitioning. Using molecular methods, we determined the frequencies of occurrence of ECM fungal species detected as hyphae and ECM roots in the forest floor of a Pinus resinosa plantation during a 13-month period.

Exploring interactions between saprotrophic microbes and ectomycorrhizal fungi using a protein-tannin complex as an N source by red pine (Pinus resinosa).

•  Recent studies suggest that some plants may circumvent N mineralization carried out by saprotrophs because their ectomycorrhizal fungi have the capacity to hydrolyse protein. When complexed by tannins, however, proteins may be unavailable to some ectomycorrhizal fungi. •  Here we tested the hypothesis that when protein-tannin complex is the N source, Pisolithus tinctorius will promote N uptake into red pine (Pinus resinosa) only in the presence of saprotrophs.