SUILLUS HIMALAYENSIS (BOLETALES: BASIDIOMYCOTA: FUNGI) AND ITS SYMBIOTIC ASSOCIATION WITH ROOTS OF PINUS WALLICHIANA, FIRST REPORT FROM CONIFEROUS FORESTS OF PAKISTAN

Suillus himalayensis (Boletales, Suillaceae) was found associated with Pinus wallichiana during a survey of macrofungi from moist coniferous forests of Pakistan. Both, the fruiting body and ectomycorrhizae were characterized morphoanatomically as well as by molecular analysis. The identification of the fungal symbiont as Suillus himalayensis was confirmed by Internal Transcribed Spacer of ribosomal DNA (ITS rDNA) sequence comparison between mycorrhizas and sporocarps. Sporocarps were matched with published data available from India, where it was first time reported. Phylogenetic analyses and morphological descriptions are provided. This represents the first description of S. himalayensis as an ectomycorrhizal fungus; and, the first report of this species in Pakistan.