Mario Pavarino

Fungal biodiversity and in situ conservation in Italy.

Abstract A remarkable increase in knowledge of fungal biodiversity in Italy has occurred in the last five years. The authors report up-to-date numbers of fungi (Basidiomycota and Ascomycota) by regions together with distributional and ecological data on hypogeous fungi. Specific case studies such as alpine fungi, orchid mycorrhizas symbionts, invasive species, and the use of macrofungi as food by red squirrels are analyzed. In situ conservation strategies carried out on target species and/or taxonomic groups are also indicated.

Macrofungi as ecosystem resources: Conservation versus exploitation

Fungi are organisms of significant importance not only for the crucial roles they undertake in nature but also for many human activities that are strictly dependent on them. Indeed, fungi possess fundamental positions in ecosystems functioning including nutrient cycles and wood decomposition. As concerns human-related activities, edible and non-edible mushrooms are also involved and/or exploited in forestry, pharmaceutical industry and food production; hence, nowadays they represent a major economic source worldwide. In order to maintain and improve their strategic importance, several conservation strategies, such as habitat preservation, are needed. This article reports several contributions inherent to the relationships between wood-decaying fungi, edible and non-edible mushrooms and their potential exploitation as non-timber forest products and genetic resources.

Physical land suitability map for Tuber magnatum Pico in Piana Crixia municipality territory (Liguria-Italy)

Abstract Please click here to download the map associated with this article. Land suitability is the fitness of a given type of land for a specific use. Tuber magnatum Pico is one of the most valuable truffles present in Italy. The objective of this study was to assess the suitability of land to favour the growth of T. magnatum, using detailed soil spatial information, for the area around Piana Crixia (a town in Province of Savona, Italy). The work is based on land evaluation framework promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Attributes of the physical environment (soil and wetness characteristics) were assembled and used for the suitability assessment. Each attribute was mapped using a geographical information system and classified on the basis of predefined requirements. Soil and wetness requirements for T. magnatum were identified using expert knowledge of highly productive truffle grounds and a land suitability map at a scale of 1:10,000 was produced by overlaying the generated soil suitability and wetness suitability maps.

Ecology and diversity of Cortinarius species (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) associated with Quercus ilex L. in the Mediterranean area of Liguria (North-western Italy)

Cortinarius is one of the most widespread macrofungal genera. Although Mediterranean basin is considered a biodiversity hotspot, very few studies have addressed the presence and importance of Cortinarius species in such area. Surveys were carried out in Liguria (NW Italy) in different habitats characterized by the presence of Quercus ilex. Altogether 67 taxa were observed: 49 of them are new records for Liguria while 23 represent new records for Italy. In addition, we report the distinguishing characters and ecological traits of the species which are also rare in Europe.