Fleshy Saprobic and Ectomycorrhizal Fungal Communities Associated with Healthy and Declining Eastern Hemlock Stands in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Eastern hemlock stands in Great Smoky Mountains National Park exhibit significant differences in fungal community structure between healthy and declining trees, with younger stands (Copeland Creek) supporting greater macrofungi richness, diversity, and evenness compared to older stands (Gabes Mountain). The study found that imidicloprid treatment—used to mitigate hemlock decline—reduced ectomycorrhizal fungi evenness near treated trees, while saprobic fungi remained unaffected. Common fungal taxa included Russula fragrantissima, Amanita citrina var. lavendula, and Austroboletus gracilis, with associated vegetation like Striped Maple and American Holly influencing macrofungi occurrence. Conducted from 2006 to 2009, this research contributes baseline data for the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) in GRSM.

(Ed.). (2014). Fleshy Saprobic and Ectomycorrhizal Fungal Communities Associated with Healthy and Declining Eastern Hemlock Stands in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Southeastern Naturalist. https://doi.org/10.1656/058.013.s613