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Title: PROTOCOLS FOR AN ALL TAXA INVENTORY OF FUNGI

Author
item Rossman, Amy
item TULLOSS, RODHAM - ROOSEVELT, NJ
item O'DELL, THOMAS - USDA FOREST SERVICE
item THORN, R - UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

Submitted to: Complete Book
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/17/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Fungi are increasingly recognized as important components of agricultural and forest ecosystems yet the methods required to inventory them are scattered, contradictory and difficult to obtain. In addition, there is no set of methods for systematically sampling for all kinds of fungi. In order to do this, a standard set of techniques for sampling and isolating all species of fungi has been developed by a group of expert mycologists. These constitute a recommended strategy for sampling all species of fungi in a large, terrestrial area that includes several distinct habitats. This work constitutes a how-to manual for those who need to isolate and study fungi from nature. These techniques will be used by those who are exploring and characterizing fungi in order to sustainably use these organisms, to manage protected ecosystems using fungi as habitat indicators, or those who are seeking to isolate interesting and unusual fungi.

Technical Abstract: No universally applicable technique exists to assess fungal diversity or even locate all of the species present. A range of sampling protocols must be available in order to begin to approach a complete inventory of fungi. In developing a plan to assess fungal diversity, it is necessary to consider the variety of substrates and hosts from which the fungi derive their nutrition. These substrates must be sampled over time in all stages of development using an array of techniques. In order to develop sampling protocols and outline the approaches to be used, the substrates have been categorized as: 1) living plants; 2)wood; 3) other terrestrial plant substrates and soil including plant litter, water, and rocks; and 4) animals and animal products. A sampling plan for each substrate category has been developed. For all categories of substrates, fungi are sampled systematically both by direct observation of fungal sporocarps and by indirect observation-the isolation of fungal colonies in pure culture.