Preliminary study of the mycorrhizal community according to the age of the Afares oak (Quercus afares) of the Akfadou forest, Algeria

Afares oak ( Quercus afares Pomel), a Numidian species endemic to the humid mountains of North Africa, is found in the central and eastern Algeria and the northwestern Tunisia. The aim of this study was to describe the mycorrhizal community in trees of this species at different age, in its natural environment. The study was conducted in the Akfadou forest (36°41’57’’ N, 4°33’25’’ E), characterized by a fresh wet temperate climate type and less clayey soil structure. During December 2016, sampling was performed from 16 trees with size diameter of two age categories: eight trees ≤ 10 years old and eight ≥ 60 years. Roots were sampled at four cardinal points at a distance of 1.50 m from the root collar. Endomycorrhizal structures at both ages were non-existent. A specific richness of 47 ectomycorrhizal morphotypes was observed, with 18 being common to all trees. Analysis of the external mycelium showed four different types of mycorrhiza with an exploration function. The Dices similarity index indicated similarity of the ectomycorrhizal communities in trees of both age groups, especially in the composition of the short-distance exploration type community.