Comparative fungal microbiome analysis of Abies koreana sites on Mt. Jiri

Young-Hyun You1, Hyeon-Jeong Bae2, Tae-Yong Jeong2, Chorong Ahn1, Hyeri Choi1, Ji Won Hong3*

1Biodiversity Conservation Research Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon
2Department ofEnvironmental Science, college of Natural Sciences, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin
3Department of biology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu
*Email: rocer2404@korea.kr

This study investigated the complex interactions between fungal microbiome structures and environmental factors in the rhizosphere of Abies koreana on Mt. Jiri. A total of 144 soil samples were collected from four sites-Yeongsinbong (YSB), Seseokpyeongjeon (SSPJ), Yoesamsinbong (YSSB), and Banyabong (BYB)-between June 2024 and April 2025, and analyzed via ITS2 region-based NGS sequencing. Alpha diversity analysis indicated that the YSB site, where tree die-off is currently in progress, exhibited the highest species richness and evenness (Chao1: 350.2 ± 12.4, Shannon: 4.8 ± 0.3), suggesting a highly complex community architecture. Beta diversity analysis (PCoA and NMDS) confirmed significant differentiation among site-specific communities (PERMANOVA, F=8.42, p < 0.001), with YSSB forming a distinct, independent ecological cluster. The fungal community was dominated by Ascomycota (54.2%) and Basidiomycota (38.7%), collectively accounting for over 90% of the total sequences. At the genus level, ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) such as Russula (Relative Abundance: 14.8%) and Elaphomyces were identified as the primary taxa. Environmental factor analysis (Envfit) revealed that soil available phosphate (r²=0.38, p<0.01), EC, and exchangeable cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) were the primary drivers governing community assembly. Co-occurrence network analysis further identified Russula aquosa and Inocybe napipes as central ecological hubs associated with surviving trees. These results provide critical microbiological evidence for developing conservation and restoration strategies for the endangered Abies koreana in response to climate change.