Adverse effects of human activities on the diversity of macrofungi in forest ecosystems

Zervakis, G. I. & Venturella, G.: Adverse effects of human activities on the diversity of macrofungi in forest ecosystems. — Bocconea 21: 77-84. 2007. — ISSN 1120-4060. A rapid decrease in the size and composition of macromycetes populations has been observed in various regions of Europe. Such changes have been mainly attributed (directly or indirectly) to human interference, and most notably to the degradation of natural ecosystems and to air pollution. Especially as regards ectomycorrhizal fungi, it has been demonstrated that many of them are very suitable bio-indicators of the disturbance of forest ectotrophic stability. Air pollution affects negatively not only the number of species but also the number of basidiomata produced by this category of fungi; in contrast, fungal communities seem to get enriched in lignicolous species. Studies focusing on the determination of the deterioration of forest ecosystems are practically non-existent in the Mediterranean area. Hence, monitoring of the suitable groups of macrofungi in terms of both qualitative and quantitative assessments could provide valuable