Mycorrhizal Species Research Articles

Colonización y estructura de la comunidad de hongos micorrízicos arbusculares en Alsophila firma (Cyatheaceae) en bosque mesófilo de montaña en Veracruz, México

Alsophila firma is a tree fern that is distributed mainly in tropical montane cloud forest (TMCF) and is considered as a threatened species. Arbuscular mycorrrhizal fungi (AMF) have been proposed as an alternative in rescue programs of endangered species. However, our knowledge about diversity of AMF and mycorrhizal status of the species of TMCF is limited. In Mexico TMCF shows different degrees of conservation because of fragmentation and land use change. In this study, we evaluated the level of colonization, richness and abundances of spores of AMF in three fragments with different conservation status: conserved (100 years), secondary vegetation (17 years) and disturbed. For this, soil samples and roots were collected from five individuals of A. firma per site, with at least 100 m away from each other; a total of 100 cm of roots were analysed per site. Root samples showed AMF and occasionally dark septate fungi (DSF) colonizations. For the overall study, 19 species of AMF were recorded: Gigaspora (7), Acaulospora (4), Glomus (4), Funneliformis (2), Sclerocystis (1) and Scutellospora (1). The dominant species in the three sites were Funneliformis geosporum and Acaulospora scrobiculata. The highest diversity (H') and evenness (J') (p < 0.05) were found in the conserved site (H' = 1.7, J' = 0.66), when compared to the secondary vegetation (H' = 1.5, J' = 0.61), and the disturbed site (H' = 0.74, J' = 0.41). Statistical analysis showed that the AMF degree of colonization was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the conserved site; although, the disturbed site showed low richness and abundances of AMF, the degree of root colonization did not differ statistically (p < 0.05) with the secondary vegetation site. Chao2 (Richness estimation model) showed that the number of analysed samples were sufficient to represent the structure of the AME communities with values > 90%. The present study confirmed that A. firma is a mycorrhizal species that exhibits high levels of colonization even in disturbed sites. We suggest that F. geosporum and A. scrobiculata may have the potential to inoculate the gametophyte and young sporophyte of A. firma, to support restoration programs, because of their abundances and high tolerance to disturbed sites.

Fenología y variables ambientales asociadas a la fructificación de hongos silvestres comestibles de los bosques andino-patagónicos en Argentina

We assessed the environmental variables associated with fructification, phenology, abundance, frequency and relative productivity of lignicolous and terrestrial wild edible fungi from Nothofagus forests in the Andean-Patagonia region of Argentina. The study was carried out during autumn 2010, 2011 and 2012. The mycorrhizal species Cortinarius magellanicus and C. xiphidipus were associated with a deep litter layer, whereas the saprophytic Lycoperdon sp. showed lower litter depth values. All the terrestrial species developed under high canopy cover (above 75%). Lignicolous species such as Clitocybula dusenii and Aleurodiscus vitellinus were more frequently observed in open places, whereas Fistulina. antarctica, F. endoxantha and Grifola gargal seem to prefer high canopy cover. Fruiting of F. antarctica was associated with low wood degradation stage, vs. high wood degradation stage in the case of C. dusenii. F. antarctica, Ramaria patagonica, C. magellanicus and A. vitellinus were found to have longer fruiting periods, from mid-March to mid-April. The most productive species in terms of fresh weight were R. patagonica and F. antarctica. The information provided here is critical to establish guidelines for harvesting these species based on their availability, ensuring their sustainable use.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization Enhances Biochemical Status and Mitigates Adverse Salt Effect on Two Legumes

Symbiotic association between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) species and host plant roots improves plant growth and protects them from several abiotic stress factors. In the present study, the effect of Glomus mosseae and Glomus fasciculatum as an individual inoculation and in combination was studied on two legumes (Glycine max and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) under soil salinity stress gradient [1.04 (control) to 8.26 dS/m]. Individual and co-inoculation of both the AM fungi alleviated adverse salt effect, with improvement in plant dry weight matter and biochemical parameters. However, these two isolates worked better in combination with respect to higher accumulation of soluble carbohydrate, reducing sugar, protein, proline concentration etc. C. tetragonoloba showed better response as compared to G. max in relation to improvement in nutritional profile under salt stress after AM treatment. As compared to non-mycorrhizal counterparts, co-inoculation with G. mosseae and G. fasciculatum in C. tetragonoloba enhanced total chlorophyll (14.83% at soil salinity of 3.78 dS/m), soluble carbohydrate (17.26% at soil salinity of 5.94 dS/m), proline (8.79% at soil salinity of 3.78 dS/m) while exposed to different soil salinity levels. Also, co-colonization with both the isolates showed more root colonization (%) and may be responsible for the better effect in salt stress alleviation. Electrolyte leakage of mycorrhizal plants was lowered at soil salinity gradient of 2.10 to 8.26 dS/m and hence, maintained membrane stability. These two isolates can be utilized as bio-inoculant in alleviation of adverse salt effect in soil in association with the two test legume plants.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization Enhances Biochemical Status and Mitigates Adverse Salt Effect on Two Legumes

Symbiotic association between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) species and host plant roots improves plant growth and protects them from several abiotic stress factors. In the present study, the effect of Glomus mosseae and Glomus fasciculatum as an individual inoculation and in combination was studied on two legumes ( Glycine max and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba ) under soil salinity stress gradient [1.04 (control) to 8.26 dS/m]. Individual and co-inoculation of both the AM fungi alleviated adverse salt effect, with improvement in plant dry weight matter and biochemical parameters. However, these two isolates worked better in combination with respect to higher accumulation of soluble carbohydrate, reducing sugar, protein, proline concentration etc. C. tetragonoloba showed better response as compared to G. max in relation to improvement in nutritional profile under salt stress after AM treatment. As compared to non-mycorrhizal counterparts, co-inoculation with G. mosseae and G. fasciculatum in C. tetragonoloba enhanced total chlorophyll (14.83% at soil salinity of 3.78 dS/m), soluble carbohydrate (17.26% at soil salinity of 5.94 dS/m), proline (8.79% at soil salinity of 3.78 dS/m) while exposed to different soil salinity levels. Also, co-colonization with both the isolates showed more root colonization (%) and may be responsible for the better effect in salt stress alleviation. Electrolyte leakage of mycorrhizal plants was lowered at soil salinity gradient of 2.10 to 8.26 dS/m and hence, maintained membrane stability. These two isolates can be utilized as bio-inoculant in alleviation of adverse salt effect in soil in association with the two test legume plants.

Transcriptional regulation of phosphate transporters from Lolium perenne and its mycorrhizal symbionts in response to phosphorus supply.

Phosphate (P) uptake is critical for plant growth, but to date little is known about P uptake and transport in the pasture grass Lolium perenne L. We have identified a putative P transporter (PT) from L. perenne mycorrhizal roots (LpPT1) and assessed its transcriptional regulation by soil P availability and mycorrhizal colonisation. We also investigated transcript levels of fungal PTs from the two arbuscular mycorrhizal species Rhizophagus intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae. Our analyses indicated that LpPT1 codes for a high affinity PT most likely responsible for direct P uptake from the soil. LpPT1 is highly expressed in roots of plants grown at low P, whereas high P repressed its expression. LpPT1 was not expressed in above-ground plant tissues. Colonisation with R. intraradices did not affect expression of LpPT1 significantly. Transcript levels of the R. intraradices PT were not affected by P availability but the F. mosseae PT was repressed by high P supply, particularly in intraradical hyphae. Our study could assist in deciphering the molecular mechanisms of P uptake in the pasture grass L. perenne.

Determinants of 15N Natural Abundance in Leaves of Co-Occurring Plant Species and Types within an Alpine Lichen Heath in the Northern Caucasus

Several factors may have interactive effects on natural 15N abundance of plant species. Some of these effects could be associated with different plant functional types, including mycorrhizal association type. Due to its high taxonomic and functional diversity, the alpine heath community in the Caucasus is a suitable object for studying 15N natural abundance of plants in relation to different functional/mycorrhizal groups, contrasting with the limited numbers of plant groups or species considered in previous studies of individual communities. The N concentration and δ15N were determined in leaves of 25 plant species from 8 functional/mycorrhizal groups from an alpine lichen heath in the Teberda Reserve, Northern Caucasus, Russia. Functional groups were represented by ericoid mycorrhizal species (ERI), ectomycorrhizal species (ECT), arbuscular mycorrhizal forbs (AM—FORB), arbuscular mycorrhizal grasses (AM—GRA), arbuscular mycorrhizal nodulated legumes (FAB—N), non-mycorrhizal graminoids (sedges and rushes) (NOM—GRA), non-mycorrhizal hemiparasites (NOM—SP), and orchids (ORC). We can summarize our results in two rankings for leaf N concentration (FAB—N > ORC > AM—FORB, ECT > NOM—SP, ERI ≥⃒ NOM—GRA, AM—GRA) and leaf δ15N signature (ORC > NOM—GRA, FAB—N > ECT ≥⃒ ERI ≥⃒ AM—FORB, NOM—SP, AM—GRA) of alpine heath species. We conclude that, within the alpine lichen heath in the Northern Caucasus, the δ15N signature of plant foliage is a relevant indicator of plant functional groups with relatively high 15N content (ORC, FAB-N, NOM-GRA), while the absence of a significant difference between relatively 15N-depleted groups (AM, ERI, and ECT species) isn't clear and may result from both processes, as the increased N isotope fractionation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as the decreased role of ecto- and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi in the flux of N.

Influence of organic amendments and arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation on plant growth and nutrient uptake in iron ore mine spoils

Trema orientalis L. Blume is able to grow on nutrient-deficient soils and known to be a metal tolerant plant species displaying potential for use in mine restoration programmes. However, reclamation strategies would depend on the plant species used, and physico-chemical status of the spoil that often limits plant growth. This study was directed to determine the efficiency of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) species Rhizophagus irregularis and soil organic amendments (farm yard manure [FYM] and vermicompost [VC]), in enhancing growth and nutrient acquisition of T. orientalis in iron ore mine spoil (MS). A pot experiment was conducted using five treatments viz., AM, FYM, FYM and AM, VC, and VC and AM, with pure spoil as the control. Growth parameters, foliar nutrient concentrations and percentage AM root colonisation were determined at the end of 12 months. Addition of FYM and VC altered the chemical properties of spoil, increased pH and macro- and micro-nutrient levels and enhanced plant growth. Growth of T. orientalis was significantly increased by both organic amendments and by AM inoculation over control. AM colonisation increased plant survival in pure spoil and enhanced growth in both pure and amended spoil. High AM colonisation and plant dependency were recorded in pure MS and lower levels in amended spoil. AM colonisation plays a significant role in survival of T. orientalis in hostile iron ore MS environment. T. orientalis transplant success on iron ore mine sites would be greatly increased with VC and R. irregularis amendment.

Bacterial degradation of Aroclor 1242 in the mycorrhizosphere soils of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.), inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) species Acaulospora laevis, Glomus caledonium, and Glomus mosseae, on the soil bacterial community responsible for Aroclor 1242 dissipation. The dissipation rates of Aroclor 1242 and soil bacteria abundance were much higher with the A. laevis and G. mosseae treatments compared to the non-mycorrhizal control. The biphenyl dioxygenase (bphA) and Rhodococcus-like 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl dioxygenase (bphC) genes were more abundant in AM inoculated soils, suggesting that the bphA and Rhodococcus-like bphC pathways play an important role in Aroclor 1242 dissipation in the mycorrhizosphere. The soil bacterial communities were dominated by classes Betaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria, while the relative proportion of Actinobacteria was significantly (F=2.288, P<0.05) correlated with the PCB congener profile in bulk soil. Our results showed that AM fungi could enhance PCB dissipation by stimulating bph gene abundance and the growth of specific bacterial groups.

The effects of single species, dual species and indigenous mycorrhiza inoculation on citrus growth and nutrient uptake

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of selected single arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) species, dual species inoculations and indigenous mycorrhizae (IM) inoculations, using specific growing media (GM), on the growth and nutrient uptake of sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) seedlings. Five mycorrhiza species and their dual species inoculations, one commercial and one indigenous (multiple species) mycorrhizae were investigated using two growing media, GM1 (andesitic tuff + peat (1:1, V:V)) and GM2 (andesitic tuff + peat + soil (4 + 5+1, V: V:V)), under controlled greenhouse conditions. The experiments were conducted over 12 months. Mycorrhizal inoculation increased certain plant growth parameters such as shoot height, diameter, and shoot and root dry matter. Generally, mycorrhiza species and their dual species inoculations exerted different responses on plant growth. In GM1, Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus clarus and indigenous mycorrhiza (IM) species were the best inoculants to increase citrus growth, root colonization and nutrient uptake; however, in GM2, Fu. mosseae and IM were the best inocula. Fu. mosseae + R. clarus was the most efficient dual species inoculation in GM1, whereas in GM2 the most efficient combination was Fu. mosseae + Fu. caledonium. The beneficial effects of AM fungi and the dual species inoculation with IM was also significant. Citrus seedlings grew much better in GM1 than in GM2. Root colonization was also increased with dual species inoculation and IM. In addition, the plant phosphorus and zinc content increased with mycorrhizal inoculation. Our results reinforce the efficiency of IM and mycorrhizal inoculations as being as effective as exotic AM fungal isolates. Dual species inoculation and IM show promise in the production of healthy seedlings, using several growing media.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of Tamarix ramosissima along a salinity gradient in the southwestern United States

Tamarix ramosissima is a highly salt- and drought-resistant arbuscular mycorrhizal tree species. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization of T. ramosissima roots is reportedly low, but the effect of salt on AMF colonization remains unclear. Here we examined soil and roots of T. ramosissima at five locations with different soil salinity levels to determine the effect of soil salinity levels on AMF colonization. The AMF colonization rate of T. ramosissima was determined as well as the water content, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), water-soluble cations, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus of the collected soil. AMF colonization was low at each site (2.4–12.3 %), and a low level of colonization (2.4 %) was even observed in high-salinity areas with a surface soil EC of 14.4 ds m−1. AMF colonization increased with soil EC at low to medium soil salinity levels (0.4–4.3 dS m−1), but it decreased at high salinity levels (>7 dS m−1). Our results showed that the AMF colonization rate of T. ramosissima was affected by soil salinity levels, although colonization was even observed at high salinity levels.

Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi on Growth Characteristics of &lt;i&gt;Dactylis glomerata&lt;/i&gt; L. under Drought Stress Conditions

Limited information is available regarding the selection of effective mycorrhizae and the exploitation of their beneficial effects on the enhancement of the forage production of Dactylis glomerata under the predicted warmer and drier conditions in the Mediterranean region. The objective of this study was to test the effects of Glomus intraradices, Glomus mosseae and their mix inoculation on growth characteristics and dry matter production of Dactylis glomerata in relation to full and limited irrigation. The experiment was conducted in Orestiada, Northeastern Greece. Limited irrigation significantly decreased yield and yield components of Dactylis glomerataover the full irrigation. Drought stressed plants had significantly higher root dry weight as a response for better survival under water deficit conditions. The Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculated plants had significant higher shoot dry weight, tiller height and number of leaves in comparison to the non-inoculated plants. On the contrary, under drought stress conditions all AMF plants had lower root dry weights than control plants. Among the studied mycorrhizae species, Glomus intraradices performed better than Glomus mosseae and their mixture as it increased S/R ratio, tiller height and number of leaves.

Induced systemic resistance by beneficial microbes.

Beneficial microbes in the microbiome of plant roots improve plant health. Induced systemic resistance (ISR) emerged as an important mechanism by which selected plant growth-promoting bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere prime the whole plant body for enhanced defense against a broad range of pathogens and insect herbivores. A wide variety of root-associated mutualists, including Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Trichoderma, and mycorrhiza species sensitize the plant immune system for enhanced defense without directly activating costly defenses. This review focuses on molecular processes at the interface between plant roots and ISR-eliciting mutualists, and on the progress in our understanding of ISR signaling and systemic defense priming. The central role of the root-specific transcription factor MYB72 in the onset of ISR and the role of phytohormones and defense regulatory proteins in the expression of ISR in aboveground plant parts are highlighted. Finally, the ecological function of ISR-inducing microbes in the root microbiome is discussed.

Radionuclides in some edible and medicinal macrofungal species from Tara Mountain, Serbia.

Edible and medicinal macrofungi used in human diet represent not only important sources of nutritive elements but toxic substances as well (heavy metals and radionuclides). Radioactivity levels of four radionuclides ((40)K, (137)Cs, (226)Ra, (228)Ra) were determined in the basidiomata (fruiting bodies of a Basidiomycetes) of six lignicolous (Fomitopsis pinicola, Ganoderma applanatum, Hericium clathroides, Megacollybia platyphylla, Pluteus cervinus, Trametes gibbosa) and three mycorrhizal (Boletus luridus, Boletus sp. 1, Boletus sp. 2) species as well as their soil (wood) substrates by gamma spectrometry (high-resolution high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector). The aim was to investigate their ability for radionuclide absorption according to transfer factors (from soil and wood), to predict potential bioindicator species as well as species with potential risk for human use. Samples were taken during years 2011 and 2012, at two sites in forest ecosystem of Tara Mountain (Serbia). Observed concentration ranges per dry weight were as follows: 29-3,020 Bq/kg ((40)K), 21.9-735 Bq/kg ((137)Cs), 3-39 Bq/kg ((226)Ra), and 2.0-18 Bq/kg ((228)Ra). Obtained results indicate that the type of basidiome (fleshy/tough), most likely due to a different metabolic rate, has a very important role in radionuclide accumulation. The highest activity concentrations of all analyzed radionuclides were found in species with fleshy basidiomata--P. cervinus, H. clathroides, M. platyphylla, and Boletus species. A species-specific influence on radionuclide uptake was more prominent comparing to habitat differences and the role of fungal trophic mode. No significant variations were observed regarding radionuclide activity among the same fungal species from different sampling sites.

Determination of different growth media and various mycorrhizae species on citrus growth and nutrient uptake

The influence of mycorrhiza species and growing media (GM) on the growth and nutrient uptake of citrus seedlings (sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.)) was studied. The experiments were conducted over 10 months using: four growth media, eight mycorrhiza species, one cocktail of mycorrhizae spores and one indigenous mycorrhiza spore (collected from the citrus orchard rhizosphere). Four different growing media were tested under controlled greenhouse conditions: GM-A, andesitic tuff+peat (1:1, v/v); GM-B, andesitic tuff+compost (1:1, v/v); GM-C, andesitic tuff+peat+compost (2:1:1, v/v/v) and GM-D andesitic tuff+peat+soil (from the Balcalı region) (2:1:1, v/v/v).After a 10 month growing period, the highest values of leaf number, height, shoots and root dry weight were found in GM-C, followed by GM-A and GM-D; whereas the lowest values were found using the GM-B treatment. The results reveal that mycorrhizal inoculation increased the shoot and root dry weight production, compared with the levels found in non-inoculated plants. It was observed that various mycorrhiza species exhibit different responses when varying the growth media; it was also observed that G. clarium, G. margarita, Glomus mosseae, Dr. Kindom (commercial inoculum) and indigenous mycorrhiza (IM) are efficient mycorrhizae species for seedling growth. Mycorrhiza-inoculated citrus seedlings contained a higher content of phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn) than non-inoculated plants.

Efficiency of mycorrhizal fungi and phosphate solubilizing bacteria on phosphorus uptake and chlorophyll index in potato plantlets

To evaluate the effects of mycorrhizal symbiosis, phosphate solubilizing bacteria on phosphorus absorption and chlorophyll index, plantlets of two potato cultivars (Agria and Sante) derived from tissue culture were inoculated with two species of mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus mosseae and G. fasciculatum), two strains of Pseudomonas ( P173 and P168) and two strains of Bacillus (Bacillus Subtilis and B.Megaterium). A pot experiment was conducted using a factorial based on completely randomized design with four replications. Inoculation was carried out when plantlets were transferred to the greenhouse. In stolon initiation and tuber-inducing stages, chlorophyll index was assayed. In addition, phosphorus absorption was measured. Results showed that mycorrhizae inoculants had significant effect (on chlorophyll index and phosphorus absorption (p≤0.05). By mean comparisons, it was demonstrated that inoculation with G. mosseae had more positive effect on chlorophyll index and phosphorus absorption, compared with G.fascisulatum. Effect of cultivar showed that significant difference in P uptake and chlorophyll index in two stages.Sante cultivar demonstrated that superior except in chlorophyll content in tuber-inducing phase, compared with cv.Agria P sorption in Sante cv. occurred at a rate approximately twice cv.Agria. The highest amount of P was obtained in plantlets inoculated with G. mosseae and without PGPR's inoculation. Overall, inoculation of potato plantlets by the two species of mycorrhiza, Pseudomonas and Bacillus strains caused notable increase in nutrient absorption and chlorophyll contents. In turn, this effect improved the biomass of the plantlets and, consequently, helped them to acclimate better and be more efficient in minerals absorption.

Mycorrhizal status of plants in two successional stages on spoil heaps from fireloam mining in Lower Silesia (SW Poland)

The mycorrhizal status of two plant communities representing an initial stage (1-2 year-old) and a 8-9-year-old stage of succession on spoil heaps from fireloam mining in Lower Silesia, Poland, was determined. In the initial stage, the mycorrhizal structures were not observed in 39% of the investigated species; they were members of the &lt;em&gt;Polygonaceae&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Chenopodiaceae&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Poaceae&lt;/em&gt; families. The relative cover of non-mycorrhizal plants exceeded 50% and the major role was played by the &lt;em&gt;Polygonum aviculare&lt;/em&gt; population, which predominated the whole community. Mycorrhizal species (arbuscular mycorrhizae) contributed to 61 % of the composition of the initial phyto-coenosis. The most numerous taxa were those with 20-40% of the root length colonized, with a small number of arbuscules (0.2-3.1% of the root length containig arbuscules) and no vesicles. In the advanced stage of succession, mycorrhizal plants definitely dominated and the major role was played by the &lt;em&gt;Tussilago farfara&lt;/em&gt; population. Compared with the initial stage, the later one also harboured more plants with mycorrhizas occupied &amp;gt;40% of the root length, as well as containing numerous arbuscules (&amp;gt;20% of the root length) and vesicles. The non-mycorrhizal species, i.e., &lt;em&gt;Equisetum arvense&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Poa compressa&lt;/em&gt;, represented 11 % o': the community composition and their relative cover amounted to 3%. Despite the relatively frequent occurrence of the arbuscular mycorrhizae in the initial stage of succession, the qualitative properties of the colonization indicated a low effectiveness of symbiosis. This could be caused by the lack of adaptation of the fungal symbiont to the edaphic conditions which were changed after disturbance.

Russula compressa . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Russula compressa , which as a likely mycorrhizal species, this fungus and the ecosystem services it provides are important in sustaining miombo woodland through enhanced uptake of minerals from nutrient-poor soils and by providing protection from desiccation. In Benin, basidiomata of this species are collected from the wild for human consumption. Some information on its associated organisms and substrata, habitats, dispersal and transmission, and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Africa (Benin, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania and Zimbabwe)). No reports of negative economic impacts have been found.

Mycoamaranthus congolensis . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Mycoamaranthus congolensis , which as a likely mycorrhizal species, this fungus and the ecosystem services it provides are important in sustaining miombo woodland through enhanced uptake of minerals from nutrient-poor soils and by providing protection from desiccation. Some information on its associated organisms and substrata, habitats, dispersal and transmission, and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Africa (Benin, Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe)). No reports of negative economic impacts have been found.

Amanita loosii . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Amanita loosii , which as a likely mycorrhizal species, this fungus and the ecosystem services it provides are important in sustaining miombo woodland through enhanced uptake of minerals from nutrient-poor soils and by providing protection from desiccation. This fungus is highly prized for food and valued medicinally for stomach problems. Some information on its associated organisms and substrata, habitats, dispersal and transmission, and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Africa (Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe)).

Lactifluus velutissimus . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Lactifluus velutissimus , which as a likely mycorrhizal species, this fungus and the ecosystem services it provides are important in sustaining miombo woodland through enhanced uptake of minerals from nutrient-poor soils and by providing protection from desiccation. This species is collected for food in Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Some information on its associated organisms and substrata, habitats, dispersal and transmission, and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Africa (Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe)). No reports of negative economic impacts have been found.