New records of Pinirhiza ectomycorrhizae highlighting ECM diversity in SwatHimalayan forests

Abstract

Three novel ectomycorrhizal (ECM) morphotypes — Pinirhiza aureabrunneis, P. bacatoramum, and P. brunnescentia — were recovered from Pinus wallichiana roots in the Swat region of northern Pakistan, and are described here based on detailed morphological and anatomical criteria. Distinct features included dichotomous branching, pigmentation gradients, lack of rhizomorphs and cystidia, and pseudoparenchymatous mantles differing in cell dimensions and organization. Anatomical features of the outer and inner mantle layers provide robust diagnostic traits for distinguishing these morphotypes within ECM communities. These descriptions augment understanding of ECM diversity associated with Himalayan pines and underscore the value of morpho-anatomical characterization in ECM taxonomy and ecology.