ECTOMYCORRHIZAE ASSOCIATED WITH Pinus jeffreyi IN "CONSTITUCION DE 1857" NATIONAL PARK IN BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

The diversity of fungal species in three forest areas of Constitucion de 1857 (hereafter referred to by its English name, Constitution 1857) National Park in Baja California, Mexico was studied. Samples were collected in August 2007 and February, May and August 2008, obtaining 25 specimens belonging to three genera: four species of Geastrum, and one each of Suillus and Laccaria. The abundance of species was related to rainfall and ecological conditions of the site itself. Samplings were undertaken to collect secondary roots of mature trees of Pinus jeffreyi Grey. & Balf and ectomycorrhizal morphotypes were identified using DEMMY keys. We found six different morphotypes, suggesting that P jeffreyi has an ectomycorrhizal association with at least six different species of fungi present in this area.