Data from: Vertical partitioning between sister species of Rhizopogon fungi on mesic and xeric sites in an interior Douglas-fir forest

We investigated the microsite associations and foraging strategy of individual R. vesiculosus and R. vinicolor genets. Mycelia spatial patterns, pervasiveness and root colonization patterns of fungal genets were compared between Rhizopogon species and between xeric and mesic soil moisture regimes. Rhizopogon spp. mycelia were systematically excavated from the soil and identified using microsatellite DNA markers.

Rhizopogon vesiculosus mycelia occurred at greater depth, were more spatially pervasive, and colonized more tree roots than R. vinicolor mycelia. Both species were frequently encountered in organic layers and between the interface of organic and mineral horizons. They were particularly abundant within microsites associated with soil moisture retention.

The occurrence of R. vesiculosus shifted in the presence of R. vinicolor towards mineral soil horizons, where R. vinicolor was mostly absent. This suggests that competition and foraging strategy may contribute towards the vertical partitioning observed between these species. R. vesiculosus and R. vinicolor mycelia systems occurred at greater mean depths and were more pervasive in mesic plots compared to xeric plots.

The spatial continuity and number of trees colonized by genets of each species did not significantly differ between soil moisture regimes.

Usage notes

MEC-12-0646_SampleData see 'ReadMe_EnvironmentData' MEC-12-0646_EnvironmentData see 'ReadMe_EnvironmentData' MEC-12-0646_MyceliaSpatial see 'ReadMe_EnvironmentData' MEC-12-0646_GenotypeData see 'ReadMe_GenotypeData' MEC-12-0646_PopData see 'ReadMe_GenotypeData' ReadMe_MEC-12-0646_DataPack ReadMe provides general description of data files comprising data package associated with manuscript MEC-12-0646