( 2009) recognized at least 770 species of ECM fungi introduced into foreign areas throughout the world. This is the first time it has been demonstrated that peat moss is an important vehicle for the introduction of these fungi a fact potentially related to the pattern of introduction of these ectomycorrhizal species from the northern hemisphere to elsewhere in the world.Įctomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, along with many other organisms, have been transported by man outside of their natural distribution areas. terrestris are two of the most introduced fungi by anthropic activities it has been argued that the vehicle for the introductions are their pine symbionts. This allows them to colonize nursery seedlings and to become potential invasive species in plantation areas. terrestris have biological characteristics (such as heat resistant and long living spores) that facilitate their survival to the extraction, transport, and storage processes of peat moss. terrestris were found as viable inoculum transported in the peat moss, while S. We found three species: Suillus brevipes, Sphaerosporella brunnea, and Thelephora terrestris. Ectomycorrhizal fungi on seedling root-tips were sequenced for phylogenetic analyses using the ITS rDNA barcode region.

We used a bioassay with Pinus montezumae to demonstrate that commercial peat moss carries viable ectomycorrhizal spores, able to form mycorrhizae.

Commercial peat moss is pasteurized, and is therefore believed to be free of viable ectomycorrhizal propagules. It is extracted from peat bogs in the circumboreal region and exported worldwide.

Sphagnum peat moss is one of the most commonly used substrates for forest plant and houseplant production.

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