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Progression of saproxylic fungal communities in fine woody debris in boreal forests of Oulanka, Finland, assessed by DNA metabarcoding

Summary

Researchers used a novel method called MycoPins to study how fungi colonize and break down small pieces of dead wood in Finnish boreal forests. By placing sterilized wooden pins in the soil and analyzing the fungal DNA that colonized them over a year, they identified over 200 fungal species that play important roles in wood decomposition and nutrient cycling. The study compared how fungal communities differed in forests exposed to reindeer grazing versus protected areas, revealing how land management practices influence these hidden fungal ecosystems.

Background

Saproxylic fungi play crucial roles in decomposing dead wood and cycling nutrients in forest ecosystems, yet their diversity and community dynamics in fine woody debris (FWD) remain poorly understood due to the cryptic nature of fungal mycelium. This study addresses knowledge gaps about fungal colonization patterns and community progression in boreal forest ecosystems using a novel standardized decomposition method.

Objective

To characterize the temporal development and diversity of saproxylic fungal communities in fine woody debris under natural conditions using DNA metabarcoding. The research investigates how fungal communities vary across different decay stages, wood types, and land-use conditions including reindeer grazing and tourist access in boreal forests.

Results

The study identified 3,990 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) representing 215 fungal species across Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes. Approximately 52.28% of OTUs were identified at species level and 25.41% at genus level. Analysis revealed 41 Agaricomycetes species unique to this study not found in existing GBIF checklists, highlighting the novel contributions of the metabarcoding approach.

Conclusion

The MycoPins method combined with DNA metabarcoding successfully characterized fungal community succession in fine woody debris across different boreal forest biotopes. This standardized, replicable approach enhances understanding of saproxylic fungal biodiversity and demonstrates potential for improving forest management and conservation efforts through molecular monitoring.
  • Published in:Biodiversity Data Journal,
  • Study Type:Experimental Field Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/BDJ.13.e155520; PMID: 41049871
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