Research Article | Published: 01 June 2002

Wood-Rotting Fungi of Temperate Himalaya – An Assessment and Conservation

J. R. Sharma

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 25 | Issue: 2 | Page No. 221-239 | 2002
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2002-V33A36 | Cite this article

Abstract

Species of wood-rotting fungi of the order Aphyllophorales form an integral part of the temperate forested Himalayan ecosystems and play the primary role of formation of forest soils by decomposition of substrates. There exists a high diversity in species composition and richness, host preferences and type of wood rots caused by them. The essential but a mammoth task of studying their rich diversity has been limited by taxonomic and logistic difficulties in collecting and defining fungal species. The various difficulties like seasonal fluctuations, succession of substrates and other considerations have led to problems in assessing and documenting their diversity. Dynamics during decomposition of substrate and mechanism of its decay are also emphasized. The various threats to the wood-rotting fungi as a whole and the conservation measures required to be undertaken are also evaluated.

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Sharma, J.R., 2002. Wood-Rotting Fungi of Temperate Himalaya – An Assessment and Conservation. Indian Journal of Forestry, 25(2), pp.221-239. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2002-V33A36

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