Picea smithiana root fungi metagenomics

Picea smithiana, the West Himalayan spruce, is an important Himalayan conifer that has experienced population decline due to excessive logging and inadequate natural regeneration. This species forms ectomycorrhizal associations with a diverse range of fungi that are essential for its growth and survival. In the current study, ITS metagemics analysis was used to characterize the ectomycorrhizal fungal community associated with P. smithiana.The findings have significant implications for the use of these dominant ectomycorrhizal fungi in the inoculation of tree seedlings, aiding conservation and preservation efforts for this species.