Ectomycorrhizal fungal biodiversity from New Caledonian rainforests on ultramafic soils

Background: Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi play key roles in ecosystems functioning, such as in plant community dynamic. However, very few studies have been undertaken in the tropics. New Caledonia is an archipelago located in the South West Pacific and is wellrecognized for its exceptional biodiversity, especially due to its geographical isolation and the presence of ultramafic soils. In this study, we present the first large molecular study on ECM fungal communities in New Caledonian rainforests from ultramafic soils. Method: We collected ECM root tips and fruit bodies from three sites located in the South of the main island. In each site, sampling was performed in two monodominant rainforests, with an upper canopy dominated by Nothofagus aequilateralis (Nothofagaceae) or Arillastrum gummiferum (Myrtaceae). Adjacent mixed rainforests were also studied. These formations might represent different successional stages of forest dynamic. Fungi were identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal genes, and host plant were identified as well using the same genomic region. Results: Out of the 587 ECM root tips and 2372 fruit bodies, 312 OTUs, belonging to at least 29 lineages, were delineated. The community was largely dominated by the /cortinarius lineage in the above- and below-ground communities. Furthermore, community structure analyses strongly suggested host preferences. Discussion - conclusion: This work increases our knowledge of ECM fungal biodiversity in the tropics, particularly in terms of diversity and dynamic. Indeed, the species diversity seems to be similar to the diversity observed in other tropical and temperate forests and most of the molecular species delineated might be unique to New Caledonia. We could also hypothesise that some fungal groups play major roles in the community dynamic as inoculums sources. Additionally, in the context of land disturbance, the results obtained will permit to develop biological indicators for further conservation and ecological restoration programs of New Caledonian ultramafic ecosystems. (Texte intégral)