Species richness and ecological characterization of wood-inhabiting agaric fungi on home-garden logs in semi-urbanized areas in Colombo suburbs

Agaric fungi found on fallen logs of different wood species in home gardens were studied. Species richness and their substrate preferences were determined by examining the fruit body formation, habit and frequency of their appearance on the different wood. The effects of temperature, rain and moisture on fruit body formation were also correlated. During the study period 36 fungal species were identified as wood-inhabiting agaric fungi on 25 home-garden wood species. Frequency of appearance of fruit bodies was directly related to the rainfall pattern, but amount of rainfall, temperature and relative humidity did not show any relationship. The highest species richness was found on Cocos nusifera, recording 16 agaric species. Artocarpus heterophyllus, Tectonia grandis, Swietenia. macrophylla and Vitex altisima showed resistance to macrofungal attack. Schizophyllum commune was observed on 16 wood species as the commonest agaric species while 17 agaric species recorded their preference to one particular wood species. Since there was a high diversity of wood decaying agaric species inhabiting most of the wood species in this semi-urbanized area, it is possible to cause considerable damage to valuable wood and wood products in service resulting in economic loss.

Key words: agaric fungi, fallen logs, species richness, wood-decay

Vidyodaya J. of Sci.. (2009) Vol. 14, pp 177-187