Annual Dynamics of Mycobiota in Symptomatic Century-Old Trees of Aesculus hippocastanum, Fagus sylvatica, Populus alba, and Quercus robur

This study examined the composition and temporal dynamics of the fungal microbiome, including both endophytic and pathogenic taxa, in the wood of old trees representing four species within the Lednice Castle Park (Czech Republic). A total of 40 wood samples were collected from 20 trees, each sampled at two time points separated by one year. The investigated hosts included horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), European beech (Fagus sylvatica), oak (Quercus robur), and poplar (Populus alba). Trees were selected based on visible signs of disease or stress to capture individuals likely affected by fungal pathogens. DNA extracted from the wood samples was subjected to high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to characterize the associated fungal communities. The findings provide insights into the stability and variability of wood-associated mycobiota in aging trees within an urban environment over an annual timescale.