CORTICIOID FUNGI (AGARICOMYCETES, BASIDIOMYCOTA) OF LIGURIA (NW ITALY): FIRST CONTRIBUTION

Abstract

Corticioid fungi are essential organisms in forest ecosystems due to the key role played in the decomposition process of dead organic matter, nutrient cycle and soil formation. Despite their functional and ecological importance, this group of fungi is particularly overlooked in the Mediterranean area and information about species diversity and distribution are very fragmented. The present work constitutes the first study in Liguria (Northwestern Italy), unsurveyed region by “corticioids viewpoint”. Surveys were performed in 40 plots located in two different broadleaf forests: 20 plots characterized by the presence of Fagus sylvatica, and 20 by Castanea sativa. A total of 25 and 17 taxa were respectively recorded in the studied sites. Among these, 21 species are new records in Liguria. It is worth noting the presence of the rare species Scotomyces subviolaceous that is included in the draft European red list. Statistical performed analyses show that both wood debris volume and class of decomposition are positively correlated with the observed species richness.