 Suillus collinitus is the most frequent fungus associating with Aleppo pine – a hardy tree utilised for reforestation schemes and soil conservation against erosion in the Mediterranean region . A study performed in the south of France discovered that S. collinitus and S. mediterraneensis are multi @-@ stage ectomycorrhizal fungi , associating with both young and mature stands of Aleppo pine . These two species may play a key role in the survival and adaptation of this species of pine on disturbed calcareous sites . Roots mycorrhizal with S. collinitus were found capable of surviving successive disturbances by fire or ploughing . Moreover , the fungus retained its viability to propagate via its mycelial network which helped the recolonisation effort of newly introduced trees . The fungus has also been shown to improve the growth of Mediterranean pines grown in greenhouses and nurseries . Unlike other Suillus species that grow in wet climates , such as S. grevillei and S. spraguei , S. collinitus does not typically produce fruit bodies in young plantations . This fruiting behaviour may be attributed to the typically nutrient @-@ poor xeric Mediterranean environment in combination with a lack of tree canopy . The absence of above @-@ ground indicators of fungal presence makes analysis of underground populations difficult ; molecular markers have been developed to assist in monitoring fungal growth and ectomycorrhizal formation and persistence in young plantations . 
