A. Laganà

Effects of temperature and rainfall on fruiting of macrofungi in oak forests of the Mediterranean area

The results of a study on the effects of weather (rainfall and minimum, mean, and maximum temperatures) on fruiting of macrofungi in a number of oak forests of Tuscany (central Italy) are reported. The fungal parameters (total number of species and total number of carpophores) were examined for statistical correlations with annual and seasonal temperature and rainfall and with temperature and rainfall in the 5-, 10-, 15-, and 30-day periods before the date of the sampling. It was found that abundant annual rainfall was necessary for the fungal mycelium to fruit. Spring rainfall in particular seemed to be related to the number of species found in autumn. Rainfall was the main influence on fruiting in the most important fruiting period (autumn). Highly significant correlations were found between the number of carpophores and rainfall in the 30 days preceding sampling.

Relationship between environmental factors and the proportions of fungal trophic groups in forest ecosystems of the central Mediterranean area

Abstract Forest decline has recently been observed in many parts of Europe. Mycoflora, especially symbionts, has been reported to decrease 5–10 years before the forest community begins to decline. Mycological research can therefore be useful for forecasting the evolution of forests subject to man-made stress. Researchers in central Europe have found that the mycorrhizal ratio (percentage of mycorrhizal fungi with respect to all macromycetes) is a useful index of the level of forest pollution, being much lower in contaminated areas. Here, data on macromycetes of different forest ecosystems from central Italy were examined to determine whether this index is applicable to the Mediterranean area, and to determine whether factors other than atmospheric pollution could influence the mycorrhizal ratio in these situations. The results show that the percentage, and especially the number of mycorrhizal fungi, was significantly correlated with environmental parameters such as altitude, number of tree species and tree cover. It is concluded that in the Mediterranean area a low mycorrhizal ratio does not always indicate that a forest is subject to air pollution.

Periodicity, fluctuations and successions of macrofungi in fir forests (Abies alba Miller) in Tuscany, Italy

Abstract The present study, carried out in natural and planted Abies alba Miller woods, was undertaken as a contribution to knowledge of temporal changes occurring in fungal communities. Moreover, notes on fungal species and fungal communities in this type of wood are given. Correlations between meteorological variables and fungi (number of species and number of carpophores, as total or divided into trophic groups) were tested by Pearson’s product-moment coefficient. On a short time scale, weather parameters clearly play a major role, affecting periodicity and fluctuations; on a long time scale (10 years or more), correspondence analysis (CA) indicate that vegetation parameters and forest evolution affect successions.

Mycocoenologial studies in deciduous oak woods of central-southern Tuscany (Italy)

We report results of a mycocoenological study in deciduous oak woods growing on different lithological substrates (siliceous and calcareous) in central-southern Tuscany. The data obtained are analysed in relation to environmental parameters to determine their influence on the composition of fungal communities in the study areas.

Mycofloristic investigations in the geothermal area of Travale-Radicondoli (Tuscany, central Italy)

Summary Mycofloristic investigations have been carried out in deciduous oak-woods in the geothermal area of Travale-Radicondoli (Tuscany, Central Italy). 235 fungal species (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) have been identified during 3 observation years; some of these are uncommon or rare, some others have never been cited for the Province of Siena. From this study emerges that geothermal activity seems to be less polluting than other types of industries or power stations.