Host preferences of wood-decaying fungi of the genus Ganoderma in the urban areas of Slovakia

Abstract

Ganoderma (Basidiomycota, Polyporales) is a cosmopolitan genus with the greatest diversity in the tropics. It causes white rot of a wide range of woody plants all over the world. In Europe, 7 species of the genus Ganoderma grow: Ganoderma adspersum, G. applanatum, G. carnosum, G. lucidum, G. pfeifferi, G. resinaceum and G. valesiacum. All of them also occur in Slovakia. The aim of the present study was to identify the presence of Ganoderma species in the urban areas of Slovakia and to find out their host preferences and topology of the basidiocarps on the colonised trees. A total 263 findings of Ganoderma obtained by own field research and processing of records from herbarium items located in natural museums in Bratislava (Slovakia) and Prague (Czech Republic) were analysed to detect their ecological characteristics. The occurrence of all 7 Ganoderma species was recorded in the urban areas of Slovakia. The most common species is G. adspersum (39% of all records) with the widest range of host woody plants (24 species). G. applanatum is second most widespread species in the urban areas of Slovakia growing mostly on a decomposing wood of unknown trees (31% of all findings) and also on beeches (9% of all findings). G. resinaceum is third most widespread in the urban areas and it grew mainly on Quercus. G. lucidum was most often found on unknown trees (65% of all findings) and also on oaks (16% of all findings). The rarest Ganoderma species are G. valesiacum (only 1 record on Larix sp.), G. pfeifferi (4 records, mainly on Fagus sylvatica) and G. carnosum (4% of all records, mainly on a decomposing wood of unknown trees).

Assessment of Aggressiveness of <i>Ganoderma Resinaceum</i> (Boud.). Pathogenesis and Influence on Wood Decomposition of Pedunculate Oak (<i>Quercus robur</i> L.)

“…5 and 7), which is also confirmed by the research of Watson and Green [2011]. On this basis, it is therefore concluded that the fungus is clearly more a parasite than a saprotroph, which is also confirmed by the research of Beck et al [2018]. A critical view should be taken of the observations of Lonsdale [1999] and Beck et al [2018], who notice the morphological similarity between G. resinaceum and G. lucidum.…”

“…The GRAJ register of protected Fungi lists the species only at two sites in Poland: in Kraków and Poznań [Snowarski 2020]. Both sites are related to green areas rather than forest stands, which is also consistent with the research of Beck et al [2018], who indicate the presence of the fungus in parks and gardens, and in warmer regions, also in forests. The observations of Sokół et al [1986] and Wojewoda [1999] of the species in Silesia.…”

“…On this basis, it is therefore concluded that the fungus is clearly more a parasite than a saprotroph, which is also confirmed by the research of Beck et al [2018]. A critical view should be taken of the observations of Lonsdale [1999] and Beck et al [2018], who notice the morphological similarity between G. resinaceum and G. lucidum. In reality, the appearance of the fruiting bodies produced by the fungus remains very similar to G. pfeifferi, and the distinction between these species is practically possible only on the basis of microscopic examination.…”

A Review of Chemical Composition and Bioactivity Studies of the Most Promising Species of Ganoderma spp.

“…It grows on a wide range of living and dying angiosperms trees (it can form basidiomata even several years after the death of the host), and rarer on conifers (Table 1), (Figure 1). In Europe, it is found most often in the southern and western parts [22][23][24][25][26].…”

Polysaccharides from Basidiocarps of the Polypore Fungus Ganoderma resinaceum: Isolation and Structure

“…Wood decay polypore fungi of the genus Ganoderma, some species of which have long been cultivated used in traditional oriental medicine [1][2][3][4], are widespread in warm regions and are often found in parks and gardens [5]. These fungi have thick, corky fruiting bodies (basidiocarps), which are capable of growing on affected dead or living trees at the site of injury and causing white rot.…”