Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 July 2023 | 15(7): 23575–23586

 

 

ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893 (Print) 

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.8469.15.7.23575-23586

#8469 | Received 04 April 2023 | Final received 22 June 2023 | Finally accepted 02 July 2023

 

 

Status of macrofungal diversity in the wet evergreen forests of Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Western Ghats, India

 

Kurunnan Kandy Akshaya 1, Arumugam Karthikeyan 2  & Cheravengat Kunhikannan 3

 

1,2,3 ICFRE–Institute of Forest Genetics & Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641002, India.

 1 akshayakkatholi@gmail.com, 2 karthikarumugam13@gmail.com (corresponding author), 3 kunhikannan@gmail.com

 

 

Abstract: Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is a part of Western Ghats (India), has diverse ecosystems and constitutes an important biogeographical ‘hotspot’ which is well known for its species richness and endemism. Since limited information was available on the mycoflora in this area, a survey was conducted to evaluate the macrofungal diversity in the wet evergreen forests of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. The survey was carried out during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons of 2021–2022 and revealed the existence of 62 macrofungal species belonging to 43 genera, 24 families, and eight orders. Out of the eight orders, seven orders belong to the division Basidiomycota and the other order Xylariales belongs to Ascomycota. The family Polyporaceae was identified as the dominant family. The survey also noted the presence of saprotrophic and mycorrhizal fungi. Among the identified species, the maximum density was of Panellus pusillus (6.08) followed by Microporus xanthopus (5.38). Microporus xanthopus (82.14%) exhibited the maximum frequency of occurrence and was identified as the most common species. Coprinellus disseminatus was the most abundant species among macrofungi. The assessment of macrofungal diversity using the Shannon biodiversity index resulted in a value of 2.99, indicating a rich and diverse fungal population within the forest. This finding emphasizes the significant role of the forest ecosystem in supporting a wide variety of fungi

 

Keywords: Ascomycetes, basidiomycetes, endemism, hotspot, Kerala, mushroom diversity, mycoflora.

 

 

Editor: Anonymity requested.          Date of publication: 26 July 2023 (online & print)

 

Citation: Akshaya, K.K., A. Karthikeyan & C. Kunhikannan (2023). Status of macrofungal diversity in the wet evergreen forests of Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Western Ghats, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 15(7): 23575–23586. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.8469.15.7.23575-23586

  

Copyright: © Akshaya et al. 2023. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.  JoTT allows unrestricted use, reproduction, and distribution of this article in any medium by providing adequate credit to the author(s) and the source of publication.

 

Funding: Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehra Dun & Compensatory afforestation fund management and planning authority (Project No. AICRP 31), MoEF & CC, Govt of India.

 

Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

 

Author details: Ms. K.K Akshaya has completed post graduate in botany and working as junior research fellow. She has undertaken a PhD research in mycology aspects. Dr. A. Karthikeyan is a senior scientist with specialization of mycology, plant pathology and done research aspects of Mycorrhiza. Dr. C. Kunhikanna is a plant taxonomist at present he is holding the charge of director of Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India.

 

Author contributions: KKA has done the survey of macrofungi in Agasthayamala forests of Western Ghats of India and also identified the macrofungi. She has written the full part of this manuscript with able guidance of AK. CK helped to identify the plants of Agasthyamala forests and reviewed this manuscript prior to submission.

 

Acknowledgements: The authors thank Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehra Dun, India for providing necessary facilities to undertake this study under the funding support of  ‘Strengthening forestry research for ecological sustainability and productivity enhancement’ scheme by Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate change, Government of India vide Project No. AICRP-31. Authors also thank the Department of Forests & Wildlife, Government of Kerala, India for the necessary permission to take up this study.

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Fungi represent a distinct and diverse group of organisms that play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning by participating in various ecological cycles (Schmit & Mueller 2007). They constitute one of the largest communities after insects, highlighting their ecological significance. Fungi exhibit remarkable adaptability in terms of morphology, lifestages, developmental patterns, and habitats. They are capable of colonizing a wide range of environments, including those characterized by extreme conditions such as low or high temperatures, and high concentrations of metals and salts (Cox 2007).

Macrofungi represent a prominent group found in forest ecosystems, within the fungal kingdom. The fruiting bodies of macrofungi, belonging to the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, can be epigeous (aboveground) or hypogeous (underground) (Chang & Miles 1992). These organisms are characterized by their distinct fruiting body forms, which include cup fungi, jelly fungi, coral fungi, polypores, puffballs, corticoid fungi, and agarics.

It has been estimated that the total existence of fungi is about 1.5–5.1 million species, of which approximately 150,000 fungal species have been reported (Blackwell 2011; Berbee et al. 2017; Wu et al. 2019). Macrofungi have a worldwide distribution, ranging 53,000–110,000 species depending on the plant-to-macrofungi ratio (Mueller et al. 2007). In India, the Himalayan and Western Ghats ranges are the major hotspots of fungal diversity (Manoharachary et al. 2005).

Western Ghats is one of the biodiversity hotspots of India that covers an area of 160,000 km2 which extends 1,600 km running parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula distributed in six states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu (UNESCO 2023). Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is a part of the Western Ghats, has diverse ecosystems, and constitutes an important biogeographical ‘hotspeck’. It is well known for its species richness and endemism. The biosphere reserve is marked by the presence of dominant vegetation like Palaquium ellipticum (Dalz.) Baill., Cullenia exarillata Robyns, Elaeocarpus munroii (Wight) Mast., Elaeocarpus tuberculatus Roxb., Gluta travancorica Bedd., Syzygium mundagam (Bourd.), Baccaurea courtallensis (Wight) Mull.Arg., and Ixora agasthyamalayana Sivad. & N.Mohanan. The evergreen forests of the biosphere reserve are endowed with many endemics such as Garcinia travancorica Bedd., Garcinia imberti Bourd., Humboldtia unijuga var. unijuga Bedd. & var. trijuga Joseph & Chandr., and Syzygium bourdilloni (Gamble) Rathakr. & Nair (Mohanan & Sivadasan 2002).

Several studies have been carried out in Western Ghats focusing on the diversity, distribution, taxonomy, ecology, nutritional, and bioactive potential of macrofungi (Manimohan & Leelavathy 1988, 1989a,b; Manimohan et al. 1995, 2004, 2007; Pradeep & Vrinda 2010; Puthusseri et al. 2010; Sudheep & Sridhar 2014; Pavithra et al. 2016). The diversity and distribution of macrofungi were investigated by several researchers (Natarajan 1995; Manimohan et al. 2007; Pradeep et al. 2013, 2016). Studies on ectomycorrhizal fungi were conducted by Natarajan & Raman (1983), Mohan (2008), and Mohanan (2014). Hosagoudar & Thomas (2010) conducted a study on foliicolous fungal flora in the Peppara and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuaries of Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. However, the status of macrofungal diversity in the wet evergreen forests of Agasthyamala is limited and requires further investigation and documentation. The present study aims to assess the status of macrofungal diversity in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve area.

 

 

MATERIALS & METHODS

 

Study area

The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is situated at the southernmost tip of the Western Ghats mountain range. Its geographic coordinates range from 8.1333°–9.1666o N & 76.8666o–77.5666o E. Established in 2001, the biosphere reserve covers a total area of 3,500 km2, with 1,828 km2 falling within the state of Kerala and 1,672 km2 within Tamil Nadu. The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve encompasses various districts, including Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, and Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. Within the Kerala region of the reserve, it comprises the Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney wildlife sanctuaries, as well as areas such as Achankovil, Thenmala, Konni, Punalur, Thiruvananthapuram Division, and Agasthyavanam Special Division. The region experiences temperatures ranging 18–35°C, and an annual rainfall of 2,400–3,500 mm (Manju et al. 2009).

 

Survey of macrofungi

The survey was conducted during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons of 2021–2022 in the wet evergreen forest areas of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, specifically in the Paruthipally range of Thiruvananthapuram Division, Kerala. The macrofungal assessment was carried out using the quadrat method, as described by Harsh (2021). A total of 28 quadrats, each measuring 10 × 10 m, were established in various locations within the forest area. These locations included 36 Mala, Bonacaud Division, Bonacaud, Bonacaud camp shed, Bonacaud School, Cardamom Estate, Elakkad 50 ha, GB Division, Bonacaud Ghost Bungalow, Kallar, Kilavanthottam, Kurushumala, Kurushumala Gate, Pandimotta, Pandipathu, and Bonacaud Picket Station. The selected quadrats exhibited an altitudinal range of 343–1,032 m, as indicated in Table 1 and Image 1.

 

Macrofungal collection and identification

Macrofungi were photographically recorded in their habitats and the fresh samples were collected with great care in a thermocol box. The macroscopic and ecological characteristics were documented during the collection. A spore print was taken for fleshy mushrooms and noted its color. The samples were dried in a hot air oven at 50 oC for seven hours and were stored in dry paper covers and labeled with collection numbers for future reference. Specimens were identified with the help of manuals, available literature (Christensen 1968; Ryvarden & Johansen 1980) and online resources like mushroomexpert.com. The nomenclature of the species name is in accordance with the MycoBank database (accessed on 20 January 2023).

 

Data analysis

The number of sporocarps of each macrofungus in the 10 × 10 m quadrat was enumerated. The quantitative analysis such as frequency, density, and abundance of macrofungal species was calculated by Mishra (1968) as follows:

Density: It refers to the numerical strength of a species, and can be calculated using the formula:

       Total number of individuals of a fungal species in all quadrats

Density = –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––    

                              The total area of the quadrat studied

 

Frequency (%): Frequency is the degree of dispersion of individual species in an area, which is calculated by the equation:

 

                      Number of quadrats in which the species occurred x 100

Frequency (%) = –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

                                            Total number of quadrats studied

Abundance: indicates the number of individuals of different species in the community per unit area. It is calculated by the equation:

 

                  Total number of individuals of a species in all quadrats

Abundance = ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

                   Total number of quadrats in which the species present

 

Species diversity analysis

The macrofungal diversity in different forest areas of Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve was determined using the Shannon diversity index Magurran (1988).

Shannon diversity index, H= -∑ pi ln pi

Where pi is the proportion of individuals of a species to the total number of species.

 

 

RESULTS

 

Macrofungal assessment

A comprehensive assessment of macrofungal diversity in the present study revealed the presence of 62 macrofungal species, representing 43 genera, 24 families, and eight orders. Among these, seven orders belonged to the division Basidiomycota, while one order belonged to Ascomycota. The dominant order observed was Agaricales, comprising 33 species, followed by Polyporales with 13 species. Auriculariales accounted for seven species, while Dacrymycetales, Russulales, Tremellales, and Xylariales each had two species, and Boletales had single species (Table 2, Figure 1). The family Polyporaceae exhibited the highest species richness, with nine species recorded, while families such as Schizophyllaceae, Mycenaceae, Serpulaceae, Russulaceae, and Hypoxylaceae displayed a lower number of macrofungi (Table 2).

 

Ecological preference of macrofungi

The present study revealed that the maximum numbers of species (55) were saprophytes and a few species  were mycorrhizal (seven) in nature. Mycorrhizal macrofungi were found in the soil, associated with the roots of higher angiosperm species (Table 3).

 

Quantitative analysis

The quantitative study of the macrofungal species showed that maximum density was represented by the species Panellus pusillus (6.08), followed by Microporus xanthopus (5.38). The maximum frequency of occurrence was exhibited by Microporus xanthopus (82.14%), followed by Stereum ostrea (42.86%), Auricularia delicata (32.14%), and Dacryopinax spathularia (25%). Microporus xanthopus was the most frequent species present in the Agasthyamala forests. Coprinellus disseminatus was the most abundant species of macrofungi (Table 4).

 

Species diversity analysis

The species diversity of macrofungi was calculated using the Shannon diversity index. The Shannon diversity index for macrofungi in the wet evergreen forests of Agasthyamala was found to be 2.99 (Table 5).

The current study enumerated a total of 62 macrofungal species which are edible, medicinal, ectomycorrhizal, saprotrophic and toxic (e.g., Chlorophyllum molybdites) belonging to 43 genera, 24 families and eight orders from Agasthyamala Forests. These forests provide fairly undisturbed natural habitats for a variety of macrofungi. Among them, seven orders belong to Basidiomycota and one order, Xylariales, comes under Ascomycota. Polyporaceae is the largest family with nine genera followed by Marasmiaceae (Eight genera), Agaricaceae and Auriculariaceae (Seven genera each), Pleurotaceae (Four genera), Ganodermataceae (Three genera), Omphalotaceae, Clavariaceae, Physalacriaceae, Dacryomycetaceae and Tremellaceae (Two genera each) and all remaining families like Schizophyllaceae, Mycenaceae, Coprinaceae, Serpulaceae were represented by a single genus each. The order Agaricales was dominant (33 species), followed by Polyporales (13 species), Auriculariales (Seven species), Dacrymycetales, Russulales, Tremellales, and Xylariales each having two species and Boletales having only one species.

The quantitative analysis of macrofungi revealed that Panellus pusillus (6.08) showed the maximum density followed by Microporus xanthopus (5.38). The maximum frequency of occurrence was exhibited by Microporus xanthopus (82.14%) followed by Stereum ostrea (42.86%), Auricularia delicata (32.14%) and Dacryopinax spathularia (25%). Microporus xanthopus was identified as the most common species in the forests of Agasthyamala. Coprinellus disseminatus was the most abundant species. The Shannon diversity index for macrofungi was calculated and found to be 2.99, indicating rich fungal biodiversity and less human interference in this area.

 

 

DISCUSSION

 

The Indian region is renowned for hosting four biodiversity hotspots. The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka are renowned biodiversity hotspots, attracting scientific exploration due to their rich variety of life forms. Among these, macrofungi, including mushrooms and polypores, hold immense importance as edible and medicinal species, with significant bio-prospecting potential. Additionally, macrofungi play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning by aiding in the formation of humus and nutrient recycling on the forest floor. Although previous studies have reported a wide range of agarics and other fungi from the evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and the Kodagu region, further research is necessary to comprehensively document the macrofungal diversity in these areas.

Several studies have been conducted in the region, including those by Tapwal et al. (2013), Gogoi & Prakash (2015), and Vishwakarma et al. (2017), which are similar in nature. The findings of our study align with previous research, particularly regarding the dominance of the Agaricales order, as reported by Tapwal et al. (2013). Senthilarasu (2014) observed that Agaricales is the most dominant order, followed by Polyporales. Gogoi & Prakash (2015) reported the highest number of Agaricales. Our study confirms the ecological preference of the species, with the majority being saprophytic and a few exhibiting mycorrhizal characteristics, consistent with the findings of Tapwal et al. (2013). Notable macrofungi such as Amanita vaginata, Cuphophyllus pratensis, Leucoagaricus rubrotinctus, Macrolepiota procera, Russula cyanoxantha, Serpula similis, and Termitomyces microcarpus were identified as ectomycorrhizal fungi, known to enhance soil nutrient status, water availability, and disease resistance (Waring & Running 2007; Harsh 2021). The symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots contributes to the survival, growth, and development of plants, aiding in the absorption of minerals, particularly phosphate and water, from the soil (Jorgensen & Shoulders 1967; Marks & Kozlowski 1973; Onguene & Kuyper 2001). The extensive underground network of mycorrhizal fungal hyphae enhances the overall well-being of the ecosystem, making mycorrhiza the most efficient nutrient uptake system in nature (Onguene & Kuyper 2001). The presence of both saprophytic and mycorrhizal fungi in the study area indicates a healthy condition of the forest (Tapwal et al. 2013).

Macrofungi that inhabit woody substrates can be categorized as either saprophytic or plant pathogenic, as documented by Mueller et al. (2007). In the present study, several saprophytic fungi were identified, including Polyporus grammocephalus, Pycnoporus sanguineus, Stereum ostrea, and Microporellus dealbatus. Senn-Irlet et al. (2007) reported that approximately 50% of macrofungi found in forests are involved in wood decay processes. Saprophytic macrofungi play a crucial role in carbon and nutrient recycling within ecosystems (Gates, 2009). They can be further classified into three types based on their wood degradation mechanisms: soft rot fungi, white rot fungi, and brown rot fungi. White rot fungi, such as Pycnoporus sanguineus, Trametes gibbosa, Earliella scabrosa, and Microporellus dealbatus, are predominant in the studied area. These fungi, belonging to both Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, are responsible for breaking down lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose in wood. They are unique in their ability to degrade lignin, distinguishing them from other organisms. In contrast, brown rot fungi primarily degrade cellulose and hemicellulose while leaving the lignin relatively intact. Notably, brown rot fungi like Dacryopinax spathularia, were also observed in this study. An interesting characteristic of brown rot fungi is their formation of bracket-shaped fruiting bodies on dead wood.

Termitomyces microcarpus is the most common edible mushroom used by the local people of Agasthyamala. The local people named the mushroom ‘Areekoonu’ (Malayalam: rice mushroom). Mushrooms are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals and are used as a substitute for animal protein (Chang & Buswell 1996).

The sporocarps of macrofungi show diverse forms in their morphology like jelly fungi, polypores, agarics, and coral fungi. The present study reports jelly fungi such as Tremella fuciformis, Exidia recisa, and Tremella mesenterica. Polypores like Microporus xanthopus, and Polyporus grammocephalus, Agarics such as Leucoagaricus rubrotinctus, Amanita vaginata, Chlorophyllum molybdites and coral fungi include Clavulinopsis fusiformis.

The Shannon diversity index was calculated and found to be 2.99, indicating that the study area has high fungal biodiversity. The rich mycoflora of the wet evergreen forests of Agasthyamala is due to less human interference.

The fruiting behavior of macrofungi is influenced by various factors, including elevation, latitude, and their impact on temperature and precipitation (Ohenoja 1993). Macrofungi exhibit distinct patterns of sporocarp production, occurring in different seasons and across extensive geographic areas with notable elevation changes. The presence of specific vegetation types plays a crucial role in determining the species richness and composition of macrofungi in a given area. Grasslands, deserts, forests, tundra, and other habitats harbor characteristic macrofungal species adapted to their respective environments. The abundance and diversity of macrofungi are closely linked to the composition of plant species, as plants serve as vital constituents and energy sources within the ecosystem, supporting the growth and development of most macrofungi. Furthermore, the distribution of ectomycorrhizal fungi, which establish symbiotic relationships with plant roots, often aligns with specific forest types (Natel & Neumann 1992).

The fungal community responds to changes in climatic conditions in the form of changes in fruiting patterns, productivity, fruit body size, geographical distribution, and phenological patterns. Such changes have a strong impact on their functional attributes like modifying carbon cycling, altering bacterial community, and disrupting mycorrhizal associations with effects reflecting up to higher trophic levels. Long-term ecological monitoring studies help to provide valuable insights in ecology, environmental change, natural resource management, and biodiversity conservation. Therefore, understanding the factors that trigger sporocarp community response to climate at species level is very important to predict future species composition and abundance under global climate change scenario.

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

Macrofungi play a crucial role in the ecosystem by significantly influencing soil nutrition, organic carbon levels, and the well-being of surrounding vegetation. Despite the limited availability of reports on macrofungal diversity in the Western Ghats region of India, this study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by generating essential baseline data on higher fungi.  The findings of this study revealed that the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve exhibits a remarkable richness of fungal diversity, particularly in its wet evergreen forests. The presence of such rich fungal diversity serves as an indicator of the overall health and vitality of these forests. Consequently, the baseline data obtained from this study serves as a valuable resource for understanding and assessing the species richness of macrofungi within these forest ecosystems, contributing to their conservation and management.

 

Table 1. Geographic co-ordinates of study sites in Agasthyamala forests.

 

Locations

Latitude

Longitude

Altitude

1

36 Mala 10 acre

N 8.69218333o

E 77.18296944o

736 m

2

36 Mala

N 8.67951667 o

E 77.18054167 o

999 m

3

BA Division

N 8.69185556 o

E 77.16231944 o

770 m

4

Bonacaud 1

N 8.67007778 o

E 77.15408333 o

406 m

5

Bonacaud 2

N 8.67104444 o

E 77.15293889 o

343 m

6

Bonacaud Camp Shed 1

N 8.69279167 o

E 77.17595278 o

805 m

7

Bonacaud Camp Shed 2

N 8.69504167 o

E 77.17340000 o

740 m

8

Bonacaud Camp shed 3

N 8.69282222 o

E 77.17234444 o

730 m

9

Bonacaud School

N 8.68537778 o

E 77.16697500 o

559 m

10

Cardamom Estate

N 8.68565000 o

E 77.18243333 o

895 m

11

Elakkad 50 ha

N 8.68229444 o

E 77.17858333 o

695 m

12

GB Division

N8.69356667 o

E 77.17162778 o

635 m

13

Ghost House

N 8.69027222 o

E 77.16896667 o

770 m

14

Kallar 1

N 8.69493333 o

E 77.15632222 o

648 m

15

Kallar 2

N 8.69384167 o

E 77.15466944 o

635 m

16

Kallar 3

N 8.69280000 o

E 77.15594444 o

623 m

17

Kilavanthottam 1

N 8.69196944 o

E 77.17507778 o

862 m

18

Kilavanthottam 2

N8.69220556 o

E 77.17670556 o

882 m

19

Kilavanthottam 3

N 8.69315000 o

E 77.17493056 o

829 m

20

Kilavanthottam 4

N 8.69198889 o

E 77.17819167 o

947 m

21

Kurushumala

N 8.68520833 o

E 77.15527222 o

719 m

22

Kurushumala Gate

N 8.68521389 o

E 77.15784167 o

690 m

23

Pandimotta

N 8.69136389 o

E 77.18407222 o

1,004 m

24

Pandipath 1

N 8.68534167 o

E 77.18038889 o

1,032 m

25

Pandipath 2

N 8.68967222 o

E 77.18673056 o

989 m

26

Picket Station 1

N 8.66555000 o

E 77.17373611 o

598 m

27

Picket Station 2

N 8.66408056 o

E 77.17267778 o

546 m

28

Picket station 3

N 8.66590000 o

E 77.17113333 o

574 m

 

 

Table 2. Distribution of macrofungi in their respective family and order.

 

Species

Family

Order

1

Amanita vaginata (Bull.) Lam.

Amanitaceae

Agaricales

2

Amauroderma rugosum (Blume & T.Nees) Torrend

Ganodermataceae

Poyporales

3

Anthracophyllum archeri (Berk.) Pegler

Omphalotaceae

Agaricales

4

Anthracophyllum sp.

Omphalotaceae

Agaricales

5

Auricularia delicata (Fr.) heim

Auriculariaceae

Auriculariales

6

Auricularia mesenterica (Dicks.) Pers.

Auriculariaceae

Auriculariales

7

Auricularia sp. 1

Auriculariaceae

Auriculariales

8

Auricularia sp. 2

Auriculariaceae

Auriculariales

9

Auricularia sp. 3

Auriculariaceae

Auriculariales

10

Campanella caesia Romagn.

Marasmiaceae

Agaricales

11

Campanella tristis (G. Stev.) Segedin

Marasmiaceae

Agaricales

12

Chlorophyllum molybdites (G. Mey.) Massee

Agaricaceae

Agaricales

13

Clavulinopsis fusiformis (Soweby) Corner

Clavariaceae

Agaricales

14

Coprinellus domesticus (Bolton) Vilgalys, Hopple & Jacq.Johnson

Psathyrellaceae

Agaricales

15

Coprinellus disseminatus (Pers.) J.E.Lange

Psathyrellaceae

Agaricales

16

Crepidotus variabilis (Pers.) P. Kumm.

Crepidotaceae

Agaricales

17

Cyptotrama asprata (Berk.) Redhead & Ginns

Physalacriaceae

Agaricales

18

Cuphophyllus pratensis (Schaeff.) Bon

Hygrophoraceae

Agaricales

19

Dacrymyces palmatus (Schwein.) Burt

Dacryomycetaceae

Dacrymycetales

20

Dacryopinax spathularia (Schwein) G.W.Martin

Dacryomycetaceae

Dacrymycetales

21

Daedaleopsis confragosa (Bolton) J.Schrot

Fomitopsidaceae

Polyporales

22

Daldinia concentrica (Bolton) Ces. & De.Not.

Hypoxylaceae

Xylariales

23

Earliella scabrosa (Pers.) Glib. & Ryvarden

Polyporaceaea

Polyporales

24

Exidia glandulosa (Bull.) Fr.

Auriculariaceae

Auriculariales

25

Exidia recisa Ditmar (Fr.)

Auriculariaceae

Auriculariales

26

Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat.

Ganodermataceae

Polyporales

27

Ganoderma sp.

Ganodermataceae

Polyporales

28

Gill fungi 1

Marasmiaceae

Agaricales

29

Gill fungi 2

Marasmiaceae

Agaricales

30

Hexagonia tenuis (Hook.) Fr.

Polyporaceaea

Polyporales

31

Hymenopellis radicata (Relhan) R.H.Petersen

Physalacriaceae

Agaricales

32

Lentinus sp. 1

Agaricaceae

Agaricales

33

Lentinus sp. 2

Agaricaceae

Agaricales

34

Lentinus sp. 3

Agaricaceae

Agaricales

35

Lentinus tigrinus (Bull.) Fr.

Agaricaceae

Agaricales

36

Lenzites acuta Berk.

Polyporaceaea

Polyporales

37

Leucoagaricus rubrotinctus (Peck) Singer

Agaricaceae

Agaricales

38

Leucocoprinus fragilissimus (Berk. & M.A.Curtis) Pat.

Polyporaceaea

Polyporales

39

Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer

Agaricaceae

Agaricales

40

Marasmiellus sp.

Marasmiaceae

Agaricales

41

Marasmius haematocephalus (Mont.) Fr.

Marasmiaceae

Agaricales

42

Marasmius siccus (Schwein.) Fr.

Marasmiaceae

Agaricales

43

Marasmius sp.

Marasmiaceae

Agaricales

44

Microporellus dealbatus (Berk. & M.A.Curtis)

Polyporaceaea

Polyporales

45

Microporus xanthopus (Fr.) Kuntze.

Polyporaceaea

Polyporales

46

Mucronella bresadolae(Quel.) Corner

Clavariaceae

Agaricales

47

Panellus pusillus (Pers. Ex Lev.) Burds. & O.K.Mill.

Mycenaceae

Agaricales

48

Pleurotus sp. 1

Pleurotaceae

Agaricales

49

Pleurotus sp. 2

Pleurotaceae

Agaricales

50

Pleurotus sp. 3

Pleurotaceae

Agaricales

51

Pleurotus sp. 4

Pleurotaceae

Agaricales

52

Polyporus grammocephalus Berk.

Polyporaceaea

Polyporales

53

Pycnoporus sanguineus (L.) Murrill

Polyporaceaea

Polyporales

54

Russula cyanoxantha (Schaeff.) Fr.

Russulaceae

Russulales

55

Schizophyllum commune Fr.

Schizophyllaceae

Agaricales

56

Serpula similis (Berk. & Broome) Ginns

Serpulaceae

Boletales

57

Stereum ostrea (Blume & T.Nees) Fr.

Stereaceae

Russulales

58

Termitomyces microcarpus (Berk. & Broome) R.Heim

Lyophyllaceae

Agaricales

59

Trametes gibbosa (Pers.) Fr.

Polyporaceaea

Polyporales

60

Tremella fuciformis Berk.

Tremellaceae

Tremellales

61

Tremella mesenterica Retz.

Tremellaceae

Tremellales

62

Xylaria longipes Nitschke

Xylariaceae

Xylariales

 

 

Table 3. List of macrofungi recorded in the forests of Agasthyamala with their habitat, mode of nutrition and associate.

 

Species

Habitat

Nutrition

*Associate

1

Amanita vaginata (Bull.) Lam.

Soil

Mycorrhizal

+

2

Amauroderma rugosum (Blume & T.Nees) Torrend

Soil

Saprotrophic

-

3

Anthracophyllum archeri (Berk.) Pegler

Dead twig

Saprotrophic

-

4

Anthracophyllum sp.

Dead twig

Saprotrophic

-

5

Auricularia delicata (Fr.) Heim

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

6

Auricularia mesenterica (Dicks.) Pers.

Gordonia obtusa

Saprotrophic

+

7

Auricularia sp. 1

Deadwood

Saprotrophic

-

8

Auricularia sp. 2

Deadwood

Saprotrophic

-

9

Auricularia sp. 3

Deadwood

Saprotrophic

-

10

Campanella caesia Romagn.

Fallen twig

Saprotrophic

-

11

Campanella tristis (G.Stev.) Segedin

Deadwood

Saprotrophic

-

12

Chlorophyllum molybdites (G.Mey.) Massee

Soil

Saprotrophic

-

13

Clavulinopsis fusiformis (Soweby) Corner

Soil

Saprotrophic

-

14

Coprinellus domesticus (Bolton) Vilgalys, Hopple & Jacq.Johnson

Deadwood

Saprotrophic

-

15

Coprinellus disseminatus (Pers.) J.E.Lange

Soil

Saprotrophic

-

16

Crepidotus variabilis (Pers.) P.Kumm.

Gordonia obtusa

Saprotrophic

+

17

Cyptotrama asprata (Berk.) Redhead & Ginns

Soil

Saprotrophic

-

18

Cuphophyllus pratensis (Schaeff.) Bon

Soil

Mycorrhizal

+

19

Dacrymyces palmatus (Schwein.) Burt

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

20

Dacryopinax spathularia (Schwein) G.W.Martin

Deadwood

Saprotrophic

-

21

Daedaleopsis confragosa (Bolton) J.Schrot

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

22

Daldinia concentrica (Bolton) Ces. & De.Not.

Deadwood

Saprotrophic

-

23

Earliella scabrosa (Pers.) Glib. & Ryvarden

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

24

Exidia glandulosa (Bull.) Fr.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

25

Exidia recisa Ditmar (Fr.)

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

26

Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

27

Ganoderma sp.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

28

Gill fungi 1

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

29

Gill fungi 2

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

30

Hexagonia tenuis (Hook.) Fr.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

31

Hymenopellis radicata (Relhan) R.H.Petersen

Soil

Saprotrophic

-

32

Lentinus sp. 1

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

33

Lentinus sp. 2

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

34

Lentinus sp. 3

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

35

Lentinus tigrinus (Bull.) Fr.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

36

Lenzites acuta Berk.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

37

Leucoagaricus rubrotinctus (Peck) Singer

Soil

Mycorrhizal

+

38

Leucocoprinus fragilissimus (Berk. & M.A.Curtis) Pat.

Soil

Saprotrophic

 

39

Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer

Soil

Mycorrhizal

+

40

Marasmiellus sp.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

41

Marasmius haematocephalus (Mont.) Fr.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

42

Marasmius siccus (Schwein.) Fr.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

43

Marasmius spp.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

44

Microporellus dealbatus (Berk. & M.A.Curtis)

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

45

Microporus xanthopus (Fr.) Kuntze.

Dead fallen twig

Saprotrophic

-

46

Mucronella bresadolae (Quel.) Corner

Ficus exasperata

Saprotrophic

+

47

Panellus pusillus (Pers. Ex Lev.) Burds. & O.K.Mill.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

48

Pleurotus sp. 1

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

49

Pleurotus sp. 2

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

50

Pleurotus sp. 3

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

51

Pleurotus sp. 4

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

52

Polyporus grammocephalus Berk.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

53

Pycnoporus sanguineus (L.) Murrill

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

54

Russula cyanoxantha (Schaeff.) Fr.

Soil

Mycorrhizal

+

55

Schizophyllum commune Fr.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

56

Serpula similis (Berk. & Broome) Ginns

Elaeocarpus munroii

Mycorrhizal

+

57

Stereum ostrea (Blume & T.Nees) Fr.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

58

Termitomyces microcarpus (Berk. & Broome) R.Heim

Soil

Mycorrhizal

-

59

Trametes gibbosa (Pers.) Fr.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

60

Tremella fuciformis Berk.

Fallen twig

Saprotrophic

-

61

Tremella mesenterica Retz.

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

62

Xylaria longipes Nitschke

Dead wood

Saprotrophic

-

*: (+)—associated with tree| (-)—non associated with tree.

 

 

Table 4. Density, frequency and abundance of macrofungi of Agasthyamala forests.

 

Species

Density

Frequency (%)

Abundance

1

Amanita vaginata (Bull.) Lam.

0.03

7.14

1.50

2

Amauroderma rugosum (Blume & T.Nees) Torrend

0.01

3.57

1.00

3

Anthracophyllum archeri (Berk.) Pegler

2.69

17.86

53.80

4

Anthracophyllum sp.

2.21

14.29

55.25

5

Auricularia delicata (Fr.) Heim

2.39

32.14

26.56

6

Auricularia mesenterica (Dicks.) Pers.

0.24

7.14

12.00

7

Auricularia sp. 1

0.4

3.57

40.00

8

Auricularia sp. 2

0.15

3.57

15.00

9

Auricularia sp. 3

0.35

3.57

35.00

10

Campanella caesia Romagn.

0.03

3.57

3.00

11

Campanella tristis (G.Stev.) Segedin

0.4

14.29

10.00

12

Chlorophyllum molybdites (G.Mey.) Massee

0.03

3.57

3.00

13

Clavulinopsis fusiformis (Soweby) Corner

0.06

3.57

6.00

14

Coprinellus domesticus (Bolton) Vilgalys, Hopple & Jacq.Johnson

1.34

10.71

44.67

15

Coprinellus disseminatus (Pers.) J.E.Lange

0.6

3.57

60.00

16

Crepidotus variabilis (Pers.) P.Kumm.

0.14

10.71

4.67

17

Cyptotrama asprata (Berk.) Redhead & Ginns

0.05

14.29

1.25

18

Cuphophyllus pratensis (Schaeff.) Bon

0.04

7.14

2.00

19

Dacrymyces palmatus (Schwein.) Burt

1.19

14.29

29.75

20

Dacryopinax spathularia (Schwein) G.W.Martin

2.42

25.00

34.57

21

Daedaleopsis confragosa (Bolton) J.Schrot

0.13

14.29

3.25

22

Daldinia concentrica (Bolton) Ces. & De.Not.

0.02

7.14

1.00

23

Earliella scabrosa (Pers.) Glib. & Ryvarden

1.02

17.86

20.40

24

Exidia glandulosa (Bull.) Fr.

0.01

3.57

1.00

25

Exidia recisa Ditmar (Fr.)

0.11

7.14

5.50

26

Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat.

0.05

7.14

2.50

27

Ganoderma sp.

0.07

7.14

3.50

28

Gill fungi 1

0.35

3.57

35.00

29

Gill fungi 2

0.15

3.57

15.00

30

Hexagonia tenuis (Hook.) Fr.

0.6

32.14

6.67

31

Hymenopellis radicata (Relhan) R.H.Petersen

0.01

3.57

1.00

32

Lentinus sp. 1

0.21

3.57

21.00

33

Lentinus sp. 2

0.41

3.57

41.00

34

Lentinus sp. 3

0.02

3.57

2.00

35

Lentinus tigrinus (Bull.) Fr.

0.04

3.57

4.00

36

Lenzites acuta Berk.

0.23

17.86

4.60

37

Leucoagaricus rubrotinctus (Peck) Singer

0.05

7.14

2.50

38

Leucocoprinus fragilissimus (Berk. & M.A.Curtis) Pat.

0.01

3.57

1.00

39

Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer

0.01

3.57

1.00

40

Marasmiellus sp.

0.25

7.14

12.50

41

Marasmius haematocephalus (Mont.) Fr

0.1

17.86

2.00

42

Marasmius siccus (Schwein.) Fr.

0.03

3.57

3.00

43

Marasmius spp.

0.04

7.14

2.00

44

Microporellus dealbatus (Berk. & M.A.Curtis)

0.01

3.57

1.00

45

Microporus xanthopus (Fr.) Kuntze.

5.38

82.14

23.39

46

Mucronella bresadolae(Quel.) Corner

0.27

3.57

27.00

47

Panellus pusillus (Pers. Ex Lev.) Burds. & O.K.Mill.

6.08

28.57

76.00

48

Pleurotus sp. 1

0.07

3.57

7.00

49

Pleurotus sp. 2

0.07

3.57

7.00

50

Pleurotus sp. 3

0.01

3.57

1.00

51

Pleurotus sp. 4

0.02

3.57

2.00

52

Polyporus grammocephalus Berk.

0.01

3.57

1.00

53

Pycnoporus sanguineus (L.) Murrill

0.79

10.71

26.33

54

Russula cyanoxantha (Schaeff.) Fr.

0.01

3.57

1.00

55

Schizophyllum commune Fr.

0.89

10.71

29.67

56

Serpula similis (Berk. & Broome) Ginns

0.09

3.57

9.00

57

Stereum ostrea (Blume & T.Nees) Fr.

1.34

42.86

11.17

58

Termitomyces microcarpus (Berk. & Broome) R.Heim

1.79

14.29

44.75

59

Trametes gibbosa (Pers.) Fr.

0.02

7.14

1.00

60

Tremella fuciformis Berk.

0.01

3.57

1.00

61

Tremella mesenterica Retz.

0.33

7.14

16.50

62

Xylaria longipes Nitschke

0.01

3.57

1.00

 

 

Table 5. Diversity of macrofungal species by Shannon index.

 

Species

Density

Pi ln pi

1

Amanita vaginata (Bull.) Lam.

0.03

-0.01

2

Amauroderma rugosum (Blume & T.Nees) Torrend

0.01

0.00

3

Anthracophyllum archeri (Berk.) Pegler

2.69

-0.19

4

Anthracophyllum spp.

2.21

-0.17

5

Auricularia delicata (Fr.) Heim

2.39

-0.18

6

Auricularia mesenterica (Dicks.) Pers.

0.24

-0.03

7

Auricularia sp. 1

0.4

-0.05

8

Auricularia sp. 2

0.15

-0.02

9

Auricularia sp. 3

0.35

-0.05

10

Campanella caesia Romagn.

0.03

-0.01

11

Campanella tristis (G.Stev.) Segedin

0.4

-0.05

12

Chlorophyllum molybdites (G.Mey.) Massee

0.03

-0.01

13

Clavulinopsis fusiformis (Soweby) Corner

0.06

-0.01

14

Coprinellus domesticus (Bolton) Vilgalys, Hopple & Jacq.Johnson

1.34

-0.12

15

Coprinellus disseminatus (Pers.) J.E.Lange

0.6

-0.07

16

Crepidotus variabilis (Pers.) P.Kumm.

0.14

-0.02

17

Cyptotrama asprata (Berk.) Redhead & Ginns

0.05

-0.01

18

Cuphophyllus pratensis (Schaeff.) Bon

0.04

-0.01

19

Dacrymyces palmatus (Schwein.) Burt

1.19

-0.11

20

Dacryopinax spathularia (Schwein) G.W.Martin

2.42

-0.18

21

Daedaleopsis confragosa (Bolton) J.Schrot

0.13

-0.02

22

Daldinia concentrica (Bolton) Ces. & De.Not.

0.02

0.00

23

Earliella scabrosa (Pers.) Glib. & Ryvarden

1.02

-0.10

24

Exidia glandulosa(Bull.) Fr.

0.01

0.00

25

Exidia recisa Ditmar (Fr.)

0.11

-0.02

26

Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat.

0.05

-0.01

27

Ganoderma sp.

0.07

-0.01

28

Gill fungi 1

0.35

-0.05

29

Gill fungi 2

0.15

-0.02

30

Hexagonia tenuis (Hook.) Fr.

0.6

-0.07

31

Hymenopellis radicata (Relhan) R.H.Petersen

0.01

0.00

32

Lentinus sp. 1

0.21

-0.03

33

Lentinus sp. 2

0.41

-0.05

34

Lentinus sp. 3

0.02

0.00

35

Lentinus tigrinus (Bull.) Fr.

0.04

-0.01

36

Lenzites acuta Berk.

0.23

-0.03

37

Leucoagaricus rubrotinctus (Peck) Singer

0.05

-0.01

38

Leucocoprinus fragilissimus (Berk. & M.A.Curtis) Pat.

0.01

0.00

39

Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer

0.01

0.00

40

Marasmiellus sp.

0.25

-0.03

41

Marasmius haematocephalus (Mont.) Fr

0.1

-0.02

42

Marasmius siccus (Schwein.) Fr.

0.03

-0.01

43

  spp.

0.04

-0.01

44

Microporellus dealbatus (Berk. & M.A.Curtis)

0.01

0.00

45

Microporus xanthopus (Fr.) Kuntze.

5.38

-0.28

46

Mucronella bresadolae(Quel.) Corner

0.27

-0.04

47

Panellus pusillus (Pers. Ex Lev.) Burds. & O.K.Mill.

6.08

-0.30

48

Pleurotus sp. 1

0.07

-0.01

49

Pleurotus sp. 2

0.07

-0.01

50

Pleurotus sp. 3

0.01

0.00

51

Pleurotus sp. 4

0.02

0.00

52

Polyporus grammocephalus Berk.

0.01

0.00

53

Pycnoporus sanguineus (L.) Murrill

0.79

-0.08

54

Russula cyanoxantha (Schaeff.) Fr.

0.01

0.00

55

Schizophyllum commune Fr.

0.89

-0.09

56

Serpula similis (Berk. & Broome) Ginns

0.09

-0.02

57

Stereum ostrea (Blume & T.Nees) Fr.

1.34

-0.12

58

Termitomyces microcarpus (Berk. & Broome) R.Heim

1.79

-0.15

59

Trametes gibbosa (Pers.) Fr.

0.02

0.00

60

Tremella fuciformis Berk.

0.01

0.00

61

Tremella mesenterica Retz.

0.33

-0.04

62

Xylaria longipes Nitschke

0.01

0.00

Shannon diversity index, H’ = 2.99

 

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