Background:

Despite its wide distribution and ubiquity in different environments, Cenococcum geophilum has been scarcely studied in Mexico, particularly its association with species in danger of extinction as is the case of Pinus maximartinezii.

Objective:

Characterizing Cenococcum geophilum morphologically and anatomically, associated in natural conditions to Pinus maximartinezii.

Methods:

In Piñones hill, southern Zacatecas, roots samples were taken in the four cardinal points of adult trees. Each sample was extracted with a PVC tube (5 x 30 cm). Later in the laboratory, the roots obtained were analyzed during drought and rainy season. C. geophilum was characterized morphologically according to its distinctive traits.

Results and conclusions:

Out of a total of 18 morphotypes, Cenococcum geophilum was the most abundant, since it was found in 42.5 % of the total live ectomycorrhizae roots. It is important to mention that there was no prior record of the formation of the Cenococcum geophilum - Pinus maximartinezii symbiosis. However, molecular biology studies should be performed with the aim of identifying the different ectomycorrhizae morphotypes associated to blue pine, as well as physiology studies with the purpose of elucidating the role of C. geophilum in the conservation of this species in danger of extinction.

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