Fungal Diversity in the Mediterranean Area

Abstract

Fungi are a group of organisms with a high level of diversity. Macrofungi have long been considered as food for humans, but after the Rio de Janeiro Convention in 1992, they were recognized as playing a key role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. In addition to the socioeconomic aspects and their commercial exploitation, the conservation of fungal biodiversity is now fundamental in view of their medicinal properties and biological peculiarities. This review aims to provide the most comprehensive overview of the presence of these organisms in the Mediterranean area and includes the most recent investigation in forestry, biological control, molecular phylogeny, biogeography, speciation, and medical applications