BIODIVERSITY DYNAMICS OF ECTOMYCORRHIZAL AND WOOD-ROTTING FUNGI IN FORESTED WATERSHED AREAS OF WESTERN THAILAND

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the biodiversity dynamics of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) and wood – rotting fungi (WRF) in tropical forest at Mae Klong Watershed Research Station, Thong Phaphoom District, Kanchanaburi Province, Western Thailand during 1993-1997 (5 years period). Studies were made in natural forest (Plot 1: dry-deciduous dipterocarp forest, dry-or semi-evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest); secondary forest (Plot 2: logged-over mixed deciduous forest); grassland (Plot 3); young teak plantation (Plot 4); and old teak plantation (Plot 5). Results showed that the occurrence and biodiversity dynamics of ectomycorrhizal and wood-rotting fungi were strictly correlated with types and quality of forest ecosystems, diversely host plants, host- fungus compatibility and specification, degree of disturbance and degradation of forest ecosystems. About 50 species of ectomycorrhizal fungi were examined and found only in natural and secondary forests The frequent specics were Russula sanguinea. R. brevipes, Amanita caesarea, A. coccora, A. calyptrata, R. brunneoviolacea, R. virescens, Astraeus hygrometricus, Lactarius deliciosus, Cantharellus cibarius, Boletellus emodensis, Coltricia cinnamomea, C. perennis, Pisolithus tinctorius, Scleroderma areolatum, etc Approximately 125 species of wood-rotting fungi were identified and mostly found in natural and secondary forest ecosystems. Most of them belonged to the phyla Basidiomycota and Ascomycota. The prominent species of Basidiomycota were Microporus xanthopus, Phellinus rimosus, P. gilvus, P. senex, Polyporus grammocephalus, Ganoderma australe, G. lucidum. Hexagonia tenuis, Pycnoporus sanguineus, Stereum ostrea, Trametes flavidum, Earliella scabrosa, Dictyophora indusiata, etc. The predominant species of Ascomycota were Cookeina tricholoma, C. sulcipes, Daldinia concentrica, Xylaria longipes var tropica X. carpophila and X. juruensis. The higher biodiversity of ectomycorrhizal and wood-rotting fungi respectively indicates the ability of phosphorus (P), carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and other nutrient cyclings in forest ecosystems.