Comparative analysis of the diversity of ectomycorhizal fungi in intact and depleted beech forests (Case study: Talesh and Kelardasht forests)

Ectomycorrhizal fungi have an effect on forests stability and preserving trees against phytopathogens. The aim of this research was to collect، identify and compare ectomycorrhizalfungi associated with beech forests in two selected sites include healthy and degraded ecosystems of Mazandaran and Gilan provinces. Sampling procedures was conducted in three one hectare sample plots of different stages of vegetation development (early، optimal and degraded) in Caspian beech forests. Due to the diversity of the fungi and their specific characters، samples were transferred to laboratory appropriately. Overall، 29 genus and 30 species were identified of which 7 species accounted as ectomycorrhizae. The identified fungi are as follows: Boletus edulis*، Cantharellus cibarius*، Helvella crispa*، Laccaria laccata*، Russula rosea*، Scleroderma citrinum*، Scleroderma verrucosum*