Ectomycorrhizal fungal community of Aleppo pine seedlings under dry conditions

Drought, intensified by climate change, threatens forest ecosystems, particularly their mutualistic interactions. A greenhouse experiment examined the impact of drought on Aleppo pine seedlings and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) from forests across Israel's climatic gradient. Drought involved prolonged low soil water potential with brief ample watering. Results showed regional differences in spore bank composition, but consistent root-associated EMF communities dominated by Geopora, with Tuber absent in drier areas. Drought reduced seedling size, yet growth depended on EMF presence rather than its origin. Findings highlight pines' stable EMF partnerships under drought, offering insights into forest regeneration amid climate change.