EXPLORATION OF ECTOMYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN KLAMONO NATURE PARK SORONG DISTRICT

Abstract

Ectomycorrhizal fungi form mutualistic associations with forest tree roots and play an important role in nutrient and water uptake as well as plant tolerance to environmental stress. This study aimed to identify the species composition of ectomycorrhizal fungi and evaluate their diversity, dominance, and evenness in Klamono Nature Park, Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua. Sampling was conducted using a purposive sampling method with ten 20 × 20 m plots. Species were identified based on the macroscopic morphology of their fruiting bodies. Community structure was analyzed using the diversity index (H'), dominance index (C), and evenness index (E). A total of 10 species comprising 205 individuals were recorded. Boletus sp1 was the most abundant species (19.02%), whereas Amanita phalloides was the least abundant (5.37%). The values of H' (0.954), C (0.12), and E (0.916) indicated low diversity, low dominance, and high evenness, respectively. These findings provide baseline information for biodiversity conservation and forest management in Southwest Papua.