Abstract
Marasmius androsaceus (L.: Fr.) Fr. spreads in the litter by means of its rhizomorphs. It colonizes needles in autumn, soon after litter fall. Penetration of mycelium into needles occurs through stomata. Rhizomorphs and fruit bodies appear 1 year later, in summer and autumn, emerging from the needles by rupturing the epi- and hypo-dermis. In the first stage of colonization hyphae invade needle tissues in extracellular spaces and along vessels. During a second stage, parenchyma (cellulosic cell walls and residual cytoplasm) is bleached and destroyed. Lignified cell walls are degraded, in particular those of the epi- and hypo-dermis. Marasmius androsaceus activity is restricted to L and F1 litter, reaching a maximum after those of Thysanophora penicillioides (Roum.) Kendrick and Lophodermium piceae (Fuckl.) Höhn. Obvious differences are observed among needles colonized by these three different fungi.
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