Pine Shoot Blight Driven Seasonal Variations in Fungal Assembly of Pinus elliottii Rhizosphere

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) function as critical mediators connecting plant roots and associated microorganisms. These fungi establish intimate associations with the root systems of diverse higher plants, particularly Pinaceae species, constituting essential components of forest ecosystems. The current understanding of ECMF community structure in Pinus elliottii and its potential associations with soil characteristics remains inadequate. This investigation examined seasonal variations in rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties and fungal community dynamics between susceptible (YB) and healthy (YJ) P. elliottii using amplicon sequencing. The results demonstrated significant seasonal differences in fungal community composition between YB and YJ. Dominant ECMF genera exhibited distinct distribution patterns, with Rhizopogon predominating in YJ and Tricholoma in YB. Correlation analyses revealed strong associations between these ECMF taxa and key soil parameters (available potassium, total phosphorus, and available phosphorus), indicating substantial seasonal influences of phosphorus and potassium cycling on ECMF development. Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi displayed higher abundance in YJ samples during spring, suggesting their dual role in facilitating nutrient acquisition and enhancing host plant resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses. These findings provide novel insights into seasonal dynamics of fungal communities in P. elliottii ecosystems and offer practical implications for sustainable plantation management under global change scenarios.