Fungal diversity, woody debris, and wood decomposition in managed and unmanaged Patagonian Nothofagus pumilio forests

Abstract

Fungal diversity, woody debris, and wood decomposition were assessed in Nothofagus pumilio forests with and without forest management. A plot in a managed forest (MF) and a plot in an unmanaged control forest (C) were established in three sites in Chubut, Argentina. On each plot, forest structure, volume of woody debris, temperature, and humidity were recorded. Basidiomata of aphyllophoroid fungi were recorded in the fall and spring for 2 years. A decomposition assay with branches and twigs in two decay classes (DC) was established, and mass loss was measured after 3 and 2 years of eld incubation respectively. To evaluate fungal diversity and mass loss within MF and C, generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMM) were performed. Neither richness nor abundance differed between treatments, and community composition was similar. Only branches in DC2 showed greater mass loss in MF than in C. The volume of CWD was greater in MF and had a positive effect on fungal richness. A few aphyllophoroid species showed signi cant differences in abundance between treatments. Forest management in the conditions evaluated did not generate evident changes in fungal diversity, nor in wood decomposition. However, the differences observed in mass loss of DC2 could indicate that there were some factors operating in the past, that are no longer seen in the present, which may have accelerated decomposition. This highlights the need for studies evaluating changes in canopy cover, microclimate and fungal community, including potential key species, over a period starting just after the forest management.

Hannibal ad portas: predicting the potential distribution of the exotic wood decay fungus Coniophora olivacea, new in Patagonia

“…H) Madera infectada con las fibras de paredes delgadas junto con radios que muestran células de contenido celular oscuro. ä for corticioid fungi in this region (Gallo et al, 2021). Also, the fact that the location of the collection studied has a long history of forestry and forest management speaks for a recent introduction.…”