Chemical elements in Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes - The reference mushrooms as instruments for investigating bioindication and biodiversity

Fungi in the wild are among the principal agents in biogeochemical cycles; those cycles of matter and energy that enable ecosystems to work. By investigating the biodiversity of Italian fungal species and concentration levels of chemical elements in them, it may be possible to use these fungi as biological indicators for the quality of forest, woodland and semi-natural environments. The database of this EUR Report record the dry-material concentrations of 35 chemical elements, including heavy metals, in over 9,000 samples of higher mushrooms (Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes). These samples represent approximately 200 genera and a thousand species. As the database has attained statistical stability it has been possible to define the concept of a “reference mushroom”. The use of a “reference mushroom” may benefit – perhaps only as a methodological approach – various fields of mycological and environmental research; from biodiversity and bioindication, through taxonomy right up to health and sanitation issues. The sheer volume of the collected data may prove to be useful as a comparison for data collected in the future; such results would also allow a better and more exhaustive interpretation of the effects of environmental protection laws that have been in place over the years to reduce or remedy current climate change phenomena and the environmental damage caused by human activity. Studies pertaining to the frequency of occurrence and the ecology of the various fungal species found on Italian soil have tended to link the reference habitats used to European classification guidelines (Natura 2000, CORINE Land Cover, CORINE Biotopes and EUNIS). Thereby the foundations have been laid for the use of mushrooms as biological indicators for the measurement of soil and ecosystem quality.JRC.DDG.H.5-Rural, water and ecosystem resource

Food Choice and Fitness of Folsomia candida (Collembola, Isotomidae) Fed on Twelve Species of Truffle

Fungi are a significant food resource for soil fauna, whose grazing behavior can have a significant impact on their development. This relationship is an important aspect in soil functioning, with soil fungi acting as primary agents in decomposition processes. Being one of the most abundant groups among soil fauna, springtails can play a leading role in this context. Despite several previous studies on their epigeous fungal grazing behavior, data regarding the relationship between springtails and truffles are scarce. This study aimed to investigate food preferences of the springtail Folsomia candida for grazing on 12 different species of truffles, 11 belonging to Tuber genus, and 1 to Balsamia genus. We also evaluated how strongly this diet influences survival and reproduction of F. candida. In the first experiment, F. candida were allowed to choose freely between a cereal mixture (choice test) and 12 different species of truffle. In the second experiment, they were fed on the truffles only (no-choice test) for 28 days. Twelve truffle species were analyzed for survival and reproduction of F. candida. F. candida's feeding preference evolved over 72 h, beginning with a strong preference for the control and finally a general preference for truffles. Moreover, Collembola that fed on some Tuber species had a lower survival rate and fewer juveniles per adult compared to the control. Compared to other species, Tuber aestivum and Tuber melanosporum, which are well-known for their ability to produce brûlés, had a positive impact on collembolan fitness, whereas their palatability was not particularly prominent. Hence there was a relationship between diet and fitness in F. candida, whilst hardly any relationship was observed between fitness and feeding preference

Elementi Chimici nei Funghi Superiori - I Funghi di Riferimento Come Strumento di Lavoro per la Bioindicazione e la Biodiversità

I funghi in natura sono tra i principali agenti dei cicli biogeochimici, i cicli di materia ed energia alla base del funzionamento degli ecosistemi. Le informazioni relative alla biodiversità delle specie fungine italiane e l¿utilizzo dei valori di concentrazione di elementi chimici nei medesimi potrebbero permettere di usare i funghi quali indicatori biologici della qualità di ambienti forestali, boschivi e semi naturali. L¿archivio dati dell¿EUR Report raccoglie le concentrazioni, su materiale secco, di 35 elementi chimici, metalli pesanti compresi, per oltre 9.000 campioni di funghi superiori che rappresentano circa 200 generi e un migliaio di specie. Il raggiungimento della stabilità statistica dell¿archivio ha consentito di definire il concetto di ¿fungo di riferimento¿. L¿uso del ¿fungo di riferimento¿ potrebbe essere importante, anche solo come approccio metodologico, in vari campi della ricerca micologica e ambientale; dalla biodiversità e bioindicazione, alla tassonomia fino all¿impatto igienico sanitario. La vastità di dati riportata potrà essere utilizzata per un raffronto con informazioni che saranno raccolte in studi futuri. Questi risultati dovrebbero inoltre permettere una migliore e più esaustiva interpretazione della bontà delle norme per la protezione e salvaguardia dell¿ambiente messe in atto per minimizzare o annullare gli effetti dei cambiamenti climatici in corso e i danni ambientali dovuti all¿attività antropica. Gli studi riguardanti la frequenza e l¿ecologia delle varie specie fungine rinvenute sul territorio nazionale hanno favorito l¿abbinamento agli habitat di riferimento in uso presso i sistemi europei di classificazione (Natura 2000, CORINE Land Cover, CORINE Biotopes ed. EUNIS). Sono stati così creati i presupposti per l¿utilizzo dei funghi come indicatori biologici per la valutazione della qualità del suolo e degli ecosistemi.JRC.DDG.H.7-Land management and natural hazard

Values and challenges in the assessment of coprophilous fungi according to the IUCN Red List criteria. The case study of Poronia punctata (Xylariales, Ascomycota)

Coprophilous fungi are specialized microorganisms, playing key roles in ecosystems and in several other contexts, whose protection requires more substantial efforts. This paper aims to highlight and discuss valuable and critical aspects faced during the process of the threat status assessment of Poronia punctata, providing inspirations for future conservation actions