RECENT ADVANCE OF RESEARCH ON FUNGI IN FOREST ECOSYSTEM
菌物在森林生态系统中的功能和作用研究进展

The recent advance of research on fungi in forest ecosystem is reviewe d in this paper. It is shown that fungi are important components in forest ecosy stem with their roles in establishing plant community, promoting succession of s pecies population, retaining forest ecosystem stability and participating in the flow of energy and nutrition. The early colonization of land by plants was asso ciated with fungi. Evidences have shown that the symbiosis between plants and fu ngi was established when the terrestrial life started. By co_evolution with plan ts, fungi are involved in the formation of the complex forest ecosystem. Mycorrh izae have apparently played an important role in the origin of terrestrial plant s and they are the key to the development of forest. Mycorrhizal fungi are cruci al not only to phosphorus uptake by plants, but also to other mineral nutrition. Decomposition of organic material and weathering of mine by fungi in forest con tribute greatly to the biogeochemical and nutrient cycles on earth. Large biomas s of fungi in forest forms important C and N sinks. Abundance and diversity of f ungi in forest has significant influences on biodiversity and stability of fores t community. Loss of fungal diversity may instable the forest ecosystem and, fur ther, aggravate the greenhouse effects of the world. Enforcing research on funga l roles in forest ecology will facilitate conservation and sustainable developme nt of forest and the forest ecological projects in China.