| Abstract Detail
The conservation biology of fungi Gange, Alan [1]. Fungal fruiting and climate change. Fungi are important agents of decomposition and nutrient cycling in woodlands and many species with different life histories occur together in this habitat. Using a data set consisting of over 60,000 individual records of fruit body appearance, an analysis is presented of changes in fruiting patterns in the UK over the last 60 y. Fruiting of 315 species has changed dramatically over this time, with the length of the autumnal fruiting season having doubled. Saprotrophic and mycorrhizal fungi have responded differently; the former show extensions in their fruiting season, while the latter do not. I suggest that this is because saprotrophs are more affected by changes in temperature and rainfall, while mycorrhizal species are tied to their host’s phenology. Individualistic responses are common, even within host-parasite associations, leading to the suggestion that climate change will cause significant changes in fungal activity, community structure and ecosystem processes in woodlands. Log in to add this item to your schedule
Related Links: Alan Gange's web site
1 - Royal Holloway, University of London, School of Biological Sciences, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
Keywords: Mycorrhizae sporocarps phenology.
Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation Session: SY7 Location: Ballroom 3/Cliff Lodge - Level B Date: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 Time: 1:45 PM Number: SY7001 Abstract ID:241 |