Lignicolous fungi on Pedunculate oak in lowland forests of Central Croatia

Sa？etak Background and Purpose: Dead wood is one of the most important factors for biodiversity in forests. Lignicolous fungi are key players; they are responsible for primary decomposition and they play important role in nutrient cycles. Pedunculate oak forests in Croatia are one of the most significant sources of organic material and mineral elements which provide habitat, nutrition or food to a variety of organisms of which some play an important role in its composition and mineralization. The purpose of our study was to reveal the species spectrum of lignicolous fungi on Pedunculate oak in lowland forests of Central Croatia. Materials and Methods: During the three-year research period (2002– 2004), fruit bodies of lignicolous fungi were collected on living standing trees, fallen logs, stumps, timber assortments in the forest and on log yards, and fallen dead branches on Pedunculate oak in Pokupski bazen and Lonjsko polje in Central Croatia. Identification based on upon their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, using standard binocular and light microscope. Results and Conclusions: A total of 72 species of lignicolous fungi on Pedunculate oak in lowland forests of Central Croatia were identified during the research. One species from Croatian Red list of fungi was identified: Hapalopilus croceus. A certain number of species found during this research can be considered as harmful lignicolous fungi in managed Pedunculate oak forests attacking standing trees, causing heartrot at the stem, stem base or root. Because of geographical diversity, Croatian forests have high biodiversitiy potential for lignicolous fungi