0000000000715764
AUTHOR
Elia Ambrosio
First record of Phlebia margaritae (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) in Italy
A new record of Phlebia margaritae, a very rare corticoid fungus, is reported for the first time in Italy. Macro- and micro-morphological descriptions, supported by molecular analysis, are also provided and new information on the geographic distribution of this species has now been increased
Macrofungi as ecosystem resources: Conservation versus exploitation
Fungi are organisms of significant importance not only for the crucial roles they undertake in nature but also for many human activities that are strictly dependent on them. Indeed, fungi possess fundamental positions in ecosystems functioning including nutrient cycles and wood decomposition. As concerns human-related activities, edible and non-edible mushrooms are also involved and/or exploited in forestry, pharmaceutical industry and food production; hence, nowadays they represent a major economic source worldwide. In order to maintain and improve their strategic importance, several conservation strategies, such as habitat preservation, are needed. This article reports several contributio…
Bedrock and soil geochemistry influence the content of chemical elements in wild edible mushrooms (Morchella group) from South Italy (Sicily)
Chemical elements in the samples of wild edible mushrooms of the <em>Morchella</em> group collected from different unpolluted Sicilian sites was analyzed by the ICP-MS (method) to detect the content of their minerals and determine whether soil geology and geochemistry can influence the chemical composition in fungi. Results showed that the mushroom samples mainly contained a high concentration of K and P and a wide variety of minor and trace elements (V, Mo, Pb, Ce, Cs, Zr), including heavy metals. Statistical analysis showed that the mushrooms differed in their content of minor and trace elements based on the geological/geographic site of origin. Comparison with other studies s…