The Mycorrhizal relationship between maritime pine and Aleppo pine with four species of higher fungi of the genera Suillellus and Suillus in the Ghazaouet littoral, northwestern Algeria

Fungi are both allies and rivals of plants, and some are involved in plant symbiosis. Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations contracted by plant roots with the mycelium of a number of mushrooms for mutual benefit. They are essential for 80% of rooted plants, helping them absorb mineral elements, improve nutrition, and resist water stress. Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) belong to the Pinaceae family and are two-needled conifers. The former is characterized by its rapid growth to 30m, and it is a light species known to be thermophilic and require heat and humidity. The latter also has a remarkable drought tolerance. This study focuses on contributing to the determination of fungal species that live symbiotically with maritime pine and Aleppo pine along the Ghazaouet coastline, using surveys conducted during 2021 and 2022, in which we collected under maritime pine and Aleppo pine in the proximity of 2 to 5m and sampled natural mycorrhizal roots. Identification was based on morphological characteristics, with recognition of macroscopic keys (shape; cap; tubular hymenophores and their organization; internal coating and structure of the foot; color and texture of the flesh; veil and ring) and microscopic observation of spores and fungal structures in the fresh state, using reagents such as Lugol and Melzer. Sections of the mycorrhizae were mounted in cotton blue and observed under a photonic microscope. Four species of basidiomycetes were determined, belonging to four genera: Suillellus luridus, Suillus granulatus, S. mediterraneensis, and S. bovinus. Mycorrhization plays a vital role in the dynamics and survival of forest ecosystems.