Vol. 71, No. 9 Received 10 November 2004/Accepted 15 April 2005 | Heath E. O'Brien, Jeri Lynn Parrent, Jason A. Jackson, Jean-Marc Moncalvo and Rytas Vilgalys
This study evaluates soil fungal diversity in two temperate forest sites using large-scale sequencing of environmental samples. The researchers isolated small-subunit and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA genes by PCR and sequenced cloned fragments. They identified 412 unique sequence types from 863 ITS sequences, with equal representation of Basidiomycota and Ascomycota. Many sequences matched those of mycorrhizal, plant-pathogenic, and saprophytic fungi. Compositional differences were observed with depth, with mycorrhizal species dominating deeper in the soil profile and saprophytic species in the litter layer. Richness was lowest in the deepest soil horizon. The study suggests that fungal diversity in forest soils may be much higher than previously thought, and that sequence-based methods can provide valuable insights into soil fungal communities.This study evaluates soil fungal diversity in two temperate forest sites using large-scale sequencing of environmental samples. The researchers isolated small-subunit and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA genes by PCR and sequenced cloned fragments. They identified 412 unique sequence types from 863 ITS sequences, with equal representation of Basidiomycota and Ascomycota. Many sequences matched those of mycorrhizal, plant-pathogenic, and saprophytic fungi. Compositional differences were observed with depth, with mycorrhizal species dominating deeper in the soil profile and saprophytic species in the litter layer. Richness was lowest in the deepest soil horizon. The study suggests that fungal diversity in forest soils may be much higher than previously thought, and that sequence-based methods can provide valuable insights into soil fungal communities.