Diversity and host associations of ectomycorrhizae fungi in fallow lands of the mid-Zambezi valley area, Zimbabwe

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) are highly diversified and dominant in a number of forest ecosystems. Nevertheless, their scales of spatial distribution and the underlying ecological processes remain poorly understood. Although most EMF are considered to be generalists regarding host identity, a preference toward functional strategies of host trees has never been tested. Here, the EMF community was characterised by DNA sequencing in a 10-ha tropical dry season forest-referred to as miombo-an understudied ecosystem from a mycorrhizal perspective. We used 36 soil parameters and 21 host functional traits (FTs) as candidate explanatory variables in spatial constrained ordinations for explaining the EMF community assemblage. Results highlighted that the community variability was explained by host FTs related to the 'leaf economics spectrum' (adjusted R(2) = 11%; SLA, leaf area, foliar Mg content), and by soil parameters (adjusted R(2) = 17%), notably total forms of micronutrients or correlated available elements (Al, N, K, P). Both FTs and soil generated patterns in the community at scales ranging from 75 to 375 m. Our results indicate that soil is more important than previously thought for EMF in miombo woodlands, and show that FTs of host species can be better predictors of symbiont distribution than taxonomical identity.

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Multiscale assemblage of an ectomycorrhizal fungal community: the influence of host functional traits and soil properties in a 10-ha miombo forest

Bauman

Raspé

Meerts

et al. 2016

FEMS Microbiology Ecology

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Underutilized wild edible fungi and their undervalued ecosystem services in Africa

2023

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Background Edible fungi including wild mushrooms have been largely neglected and underutilized in Africa. Not only is the number of edible species unknown, but the critical role they play in human food and nutrition and the ecosystem services they provide have remained poorly understood and undervalued. Methods We reviewed the literature with the objective of providing a synthesis of knowledge on (1) the diversity of wild edible fungi of Africa with emphasis on mushrooms; (2) the ecosystem services provided by wild edible fungi; (3) anthropogenic threats to their diversity and utilization; and (4) opportunities for their conservation and cultivation. Results We identified a total of 480 species of wild edible mushrooms in 126 genera belonging to 60 fungal families across Africa. A total of, 249 species were mycorrhizal, 28 species were termitophilic and 203 species were saprophytic or parasitic. Wild edible mushrooms provide food that is high in digestible proteins, antioxidants and fibre but low in fats. They are also sources of income for rural populations. Almost all species play a role in nutrient recycling and hence the productivity of forests and agroecosystems. However, deforestation and land degradation are threatening the mushroom diversity in some regions of Africa. Conclusion The African continent is endowed with a tremendous diversity of neglected and underutilized edible wild mushrooms providing nutritious food for humans and playing a key role in the structure and functioning of native forests and woodlands. Deforestation and the loss of habitat are the greatest threats to edible wild species in Africa. The loss of indigenous knowledge can also potentially limit dietary choices and market opportunities. Therefore, we recommend national forestry research and development programs and international frameworks such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD +) to invest in the conservation, cultivation and valorisation of wild edible mushrooms to achieve sustainable forest management and the welfare of local communities.

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Fungal community structure variability between the root rhizosphere and endosphere in a granite catena system in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Gryzenhout¹,

Cason²,

Vermeulen³

et al. 2020

KOEDOE - African Protected Area Conservation and Science

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Diversity and host associations of ectomycorrhizae fungi in fallow lands of the mid-Zambezi valley area, Zimbabwe

Cited by 3 publications

References 28 publications

Multiscale assemblage of an ectomycorrhizal fungal community: the influence of host functional traits and soil properties in a 10-ha miombo forest

Multiscale assemblage of an ectomycorrhizal fungal community: the influence of host functional traits and soil properties in a 10-ha miombo forest

Underutilized wild edible fungi and their undervalued ecosystem services in Africa

Fungal community structure variability between the root rhizosphere and endosphere in a granite catena system in Kruger National Park, South Africa

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