Ecology of gasteroid fungi (Agaricomycetidae and Phallomycetidae) affected by different successional stages of Polylepis australis Bitt. woodlands of Córdoba, central Argentina

Abstract

We conducted the first ecological study of epigeous gasteroid fungi associated with the endangered ecosystem of high altitude Polylepis australis woodlands in Córdoba, Argentina. We collected samples from 48 plots of 900 m2 each, located in four river basins. Plots were classified according to five successional stage categories: early and late regeneration; young, mixed and mature forests. We performed PERMANOVA and PERMDISP analysis in order to compare species composition among fungal assemblages between the conservation categories. Rank-abundance curves were also generated for the five conservation categories. Twenty species were recollected within the 48 P. australis plots. Bovista pusilliformis was the most abundant species within the plots classified as the early regeneration stages; Geastrum saccatum was the most abundant species present in plots classified as mixed forest; plots classified as mature forests presented G. indicum and Lycoperdon pyriforme as the most abundant species. Plots classified as mixed forest showed the highest species richness values and significant differences in species composition than plots classified as both, early and late regeneration stages. With this work we contribute to the ongoing effort to protect and conserve the endangered ecosystem of our treeline species P. australis.