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Diversity of macrofungi in southeast Xizang 1. The wood-decay fungi

Summary

Researchers surveyed wood-decay fungi in the forests of southeast Xizang and identified 558 different species, including one newly described species. This more than doubled the number of such fungi previously known from the region. Most species preferred either hardwood or softwood trees, and the fungi were classified as causing either white rot or brown rot. This study helps us understand the important decomposers that break down dead wood in China’s most biodiverse forest region.

Background

Wood-decay fungi are important components of forest ecosystems that play a crucial role in degrading woody material. Southeast Xizang represents the most forest-diverse region in China with variation across tropical, subtropical, temperate, and boreal forest zones. Prior to this study, only about 200 species of wood-decay fungi had been recorded from Xizang.

Objective

This study aimed to document the species diversity of wood-decay fungi in southeast Xizang (including Chamdo, Nyingchi, Shannan, and Xigaze regions) through systematic field surveys and specimen collection.

Results

A total of 558 wood-decay fungal species were identified, belonging to three classes, 15 orders, 57 families, and 177 genera, with one new species (Epithele miscanthi) described. Fifteen dominant families comprised 459 species (82.26% of total), and 313 species occurred exclusively on angiosperm wood while 168 species occurred only on gymnosperm wood. Most species (266, 47.67%) were found on fallen trunks, with 456 species causing white rot and 85 species causing brown rot.

Conclusion

This comprehensive survey significantly expands knowledge of wood-decay fungi diversity in southeast Xizang, more than doubling previously recorded species from the region. The study provides baseline data on substrate preferences, rot types, and ecological distributions of these important forest decomposers in China’s most diverse forest region.
  • Published in:Mycology,
  • Study Type:Field Survey and Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40415908, DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2379476
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