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https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jpb.v15i2.15
Journal of
Vol. 15 no. 2, pp. 208-221 (September 2018)
PHARMACY AND
http://ajol.info/index.php/jpb
BIORESOURCES
Macrofungi composition and diversity on deadwood in Ngel
Nyaki forest reserve, Mambilla Plateau, Nigeria
Cleophas B. Ajiya1
*
, Ali D. Ahmed2, Charles A. Nsor1, Michael G. Manager2, and Daniel A.
Zhigila1
1Department of Biological Science Gombe State University, Nigeria.
2Department of Plant Science and Technology University of Jos, Nigeria.
Received 29th July 2018; Accepted 20th August 2018
______________________________________________________________________________
Abstract
Macrofungi are extensive in diversity and play an essential role in sustaining ecosystems. However, the size and
quality of their habitat is decreasing and extinction threatens the remaining 95 % of the world’s undiscovered fungal
species. This study was carried out to document the diversity and composition of macrofungi in Ngel Nyaki
Montane Forest Reserve. A total of seventy-two (72) wood decomposing fungi were identified belonging to 8
classes, 12 Orders and 27 Families. The most abundant species was Trichoglossum hirsutum (Pers). Boud with
23.49% relative frequency of occurrence followed by Russulax erampelina (7.23%), Hemimycena candida (Bres)
Singer (5.42%), Termitomyces eurhizus (Berk.) Heim (4.82%), Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quél (4.22%) and
Ganoderma sp 1 (3.61%). Thirty-eight (52.77%) of the 72 species were rare, as they were seen and collected once
during the survey. Eight (8) different fruiting body forms were encountered. Most of the macrofungi were the gilled
fungi (Agarics) with 39 species, followed by the Polypores with 21 species, while cup fungi, slime mould and coral
fungi were represented in the whole collection by a single species each. Macrofungi diversity varied significantly
across pieces of deadwood with wood in later stages of decay having the highest macrofungi diversity. The study
documents the first checklist of macrofungi in Nigeria’s rarest forest landscape.
Keywords: Macrofungi, Composition, Diversity, Ngel Nyaki, Mambilla Plateau
______________________________________________________________________________
*
Corresponding author. E-mail: cleophasbillah1@gmail.com Tel: +234 (0)8086564337
ISSN 0189-8442 © 2018 Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Jos. Nigeria.
INTRODUCTION
Macrofungi are the key players in
deadwood decomposition and nutrient cycling
in most tropical ecosystems [1]. Macrofungi
play significant roles in nutrient dynamics,
soil health, species mutualisms and
interactions, and overall ecosystem processes
[2] However, despite their functional
importance, they are often overlooked and left
out of conservation initiatives [3]. Generally,
macrofungi are sub-divided into morpho-
groups that have been described by common
terms which include ‘gilled fungi’, ‘cup
fungi’, ‘jelly fungi’, ‘bracket fungi’,
‘puffballs’, and ‘truffles’. These descriptions
reflect the observable morphological diversity
that is encountered within the macrofungi. On
the basis of mode of nutrition, macrofungi are
divided into three main groups: the
saprophytes, the parasites and the symbiotic
(mycorrhizal) species [4]. Majority of forest
dwelling macrofungi are either saprobes or
mycorrhizal symbionts, but few of them are
pathogenic to plants in nature. Fruiting bodies
of macrofungi that are found on woody
substrata are usually saprobes or plant
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C.B. Ajiya et al. / J. Pharmacy & Bioresources 15(2), 208-221 (2018)
pathogens [5]. Wood-decomposing
macrofungi are important functioning
constituents of forest ecosystems that play an
essential role in nutrient cycling, humus
formation, water cycles, carbon storage and
enable the regeneration of forests throughout
the world [6]. Macrofungi utilized wide range
of substrate in search for nutrient for its
growth and development. The diversity of the
substrate, include various deadwood types,
and appendages (i.e. trunks, branches and
twigs), forest floor, and plants. These diverse
arrays of substratum should be considered
when explaining deadwood fungal diversity
[1, 7]. Robust ecological relationships exist
between deadwood decomposers (fungi and
invertebrates); these interactions shape both
community composition and extent of
(deadwood) substrate decay. Consequently,
understanding the factors that affect the
structure of fungi in tropical forests may
provide valuable insight for predicting their
effectiveness in this regard. The compound
interactions between opportunistic fungi and
many more invertebrates on deadfall wood
determine its nutrient composition and state
of decay of their substrate. The diversity,
abundance and richness of decomposers on
logs in the tropics may be closely associated
with the state of decomposition and extent of
decay of the wood logs [8].
This is the first research on fungal
diversity and composition associated with
deadwood at Mambilla Plateau (Ngel Nyaki
Forest Reserve) Nigeria. Most studies are
either concentrated on particular regions e.g.
Boreal forest rendering any generalization
from the results obtained inconclusive and
inadequate. Past studies on macro fungal
species diversity and abundance considered
only larger deadwood that are most
powerfully reduced by management [9]. Our
approach is to go beyond larger deadwood,
including deadwood of various sizes and
levels of decay. This is in keeping with the
fact that macro fungal species area
relationship depends on sizes of deadwood as
a determinant of nutritional composition and
species diversity/abundance.
Deadwood is receiving increasing
attention from forest pathologists, ecologists,
and managers across the globe [6]. Equally,
fallen and standing deadwoods are sinks for
carbon and are significant components of
forest carbon dynamics, but also release
carbon through decomposition and burning in
fires. Conversely, they serve as Noah’s ark
forming crucial habitats diverse assemblage
of tropical flora and fauna in forest ecosystem
[6]. The importance and significance of
deadwood in the forest cannot be over
emphasized; as they are adjudged the richest
and most suitable habitat in the forest for
macrofungi [10]. Given that the forest is the
major habitat for macrofungi and other living
organisms, there is need to intensify
appropriate management schemes to conserve
remnants of the tropical forest. Only about 6.7
% of 1.5 million species of fungi estimated in
the world have been described and most of
these are in temperate regions. The tropical
region, which is undoubtedly hosting the
highest mycofloral diversity, has been
inadequately sampled and the mycoflora
scarcely documented [11]. It is therefore
unclear what macrofungi occur in the tropical
forests [12].
Apart from their importance for
biodiversity and nutrition (edible
mushrooms), deadwood plays a key role in
maintaining the forest’s health: organic
matter, moisture, nutrients cycling and a vital
component in forest community dynamics.
Studies on the macro fungal diversity of Ngel
Nyaki forest therefore will help in
understanding the extensive role deadwood
plays in conserving the biodiversity of the
forest and in the maintenance of ecological
balance via wood decomposition processes.
210 C.B. Ajiya et al. / J. Pharmacy & Bioresources 15(2), 208-221 (2018)
Obtaining comprehensive information on the
composition and diversity of macrofungi on
dead or decaying wood would be a good step
in understanding the dynamics and specific
role of the various components of the
deadwood macro faunal community and its
place in the wellbeing of other components of
the forest ecological community [1].
Our main goal was to develop a checklist of
the various macro-fungi that occur in Ngel
Nyaki Forest Reserve. Specific objectives of
this study are:
1. To determine the abundance and diversity
of macro-fungi on dead wood in the
reserve.
2. To identify the factors and conditions that
promotes macro-fungal diversity on
deadwood.
3. To identify the various groups and kinds of
macro-fungi fruiting bodies at Ngel Nyaki
Forest Reserve.
We hypothesize that there will be more
macro-fungal diversity on fallen than standing
deadwood.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The research was conducted at Ngel
Nyaki Forest Reserve, situated towards the
western escarpment of Mambilla Plateau,
Taraba State, near the border between Nigeria
and Cameroon. Ngel Nyaki, a Montane Forest
Reserve is one of its kinds in Nigeria because
of its rarity, and uniqueness in terms of
species diversity, vegetation cover and
landscape. The reserve is the most diverse
forest on Mambilla Plateau with over 146
vascular plant species recorded, many of
which are trees, and (near-) endemic to the
Afromontane region. It comprises of the main
forest which is about 46 km2 area of land, and
strip patches of three forest fragments (A, B
and C) (Fig. 1), respectively separated by hills
covered by montane grasslands. The reserve
is located between latitudes 07° 05' N and
longitude 011° 05' E at an altitude of 1,400 m
– 1,600 m asl. Periodic monthly maximum
and minimum temperature ranges for wet and
dry seasons is 26 and 13°C, and 23 and 16°C,
respectively [13].
Sampling of macro fungi. Both fallen and
standing logs were sampled along existing
tree phenology line transects laid in the main
forest. These transects were used for
collection of macro fungal fruiting bodies on
logs. A total distance of 2000 meters was
sampled on each transect. At each 200 meters,
30 X 20 quadrat was constructed making a
total of 10 segments per 2000 meters transect
[14]. The entire circumference/length of logs
was assessed visually for collection of fungal
fruiting bodies as well as the presence or
absence of invertebrate species found on or in
the logs. Each fruiting body collected was
photographed before collection and wrapped
in aluminum foil for easy transportation and
to prevent specimens from desiccation and
denaturing. Identification of specimens was
based on macroscopic features. Macro fungal
sporocarps (reproductive structure of a
fungus) visible to the naked eye on wood logs
were collected and identified in situ where
possible, using illustrations in colour field
guides and also by the use of descriptions and
keys [15]. Unidentified samples at the point of
assessment were taken and placed in a local
portable plastic container, depending on the
thickness of the specimen and preserved for
later identification.
Statistical Analysis: Data was analyzed using
SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences)
version 15.0. Considering the nature of the
data, descriptive statistics was employed for
data exploration and analysis. Microsoft
Excel (2010 version), was also used to
calculate the density of the various species
identified. The frequency and density of
different species were determined by the
following formulas:
Freq. of fungal sp. (%) = X 100
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C.B. Ajiya et al. / J. Pharmacy & Bioresources 15(2), 208-221 (2018)
Density = X 100
RESULTS
Diversity and composition of macrofungi.
A total of seventy-two species of wood
decomposing macrofungi were recorded from
the study, comprising of 8 Classes, 12 Orders
and 27 Families. The numbers are an
underestimation of diversity, as some of the
taxa were not identified at the time of this
report. Some of the macrofungi taxa recorded
from the study sites are shown in Plate 1- 8.
The proportion of taxa that were identified to
species level was 65.27 % for macrofungi
(Table 2). Other macrofungi not identified to
species made up 34.72 % of the collected
macrofungi. The results revealed that the
species were distributed among 8 classes.
Agaricomycetes had 63 species (88 %)
followed by Basidiomycetes and
Leotiomycetes with two species each (3 %)
while five other classes were represented by
one species each (Table 1).
Species evenness analysis revealed
that macrofungi were evenly distributed
among 27 families (Figure 2). The family
with the most number of species was
Ganodermaceae (8), followed by
Polyporaceae (7 species) and Phasalacriaceae
(6). However, twelve other families were
represented by one species each. We recorded
more species on fallen deadwood than the
standing ones. Fifty-six (56) species were
encountered on fallen deadwood, eleven (11)
on standing deadwood while five (5) occurred
on both standing and fallen deadwood. These
species include Armillaria sp, Deculata
integralla, Disciseda subterranean,
Hemimycena candida and Russulax
erampelina.
Species composition differed amongst
the various Orders recorded, with the highest
drawn from the order Agaricales with a total
of 32 species, followed by the Polyporales (24
species) while the Gomphales, Heloitiales and
Xylariales were each represented a single
species (Figure 3).
Frequency of occurrence of species within
entire sample. The macrofungi with the
highest occurrence throughout the survey is
Trichoglossum hirsutum (23.49 %) relative
frequency of occurrence (Table 2). Russulax
erampelina followed with (7.23 %), followed
by Hemimycena candida (Bres) Singer (5.42
%), Termitomyces eurhizus (4.82 %),
Pleurotus pulmonarius (4.22 %) and
Ganoderma sp. 1 (3.61 %). Thirty-eight
(52.77 %) of the 72 species were rare, as they
were collected once during the survey. For
frequency of occurrence of species within and
across transects, 77.10 % of the 72 species
were rare, occurring in just one out of Ten
(10) transects surveyed. Only Two (2) of the
species Trichoglossum hirsutum and
Termitomyces can be said to be widespread or
locally abundant as they occur in 7 to 9 of the
ten transects. The macrofungi species with
highest relative density across all sampled
plots is Trichoglossum hirsutum (50.07 %),
followed by Hemimycena candida (10.62 %),
Disciseda subterranean (4.10 %) and
Phillipsia subpurpureae (3.97 %). Forty-six
(46) species had less than ten sporocarps at
the time of the survey.
Fruiting body forms of macrofungi in Ngel
Nyaki Forest Reserve. The distributions of
morpho-groups are illustrated in Table 1,
which showed that macrofungi were placed in
Eight (8) different fruiting body forms. Most
of the macrofungi belong to the gilled fungi
(Agarics) which had 39 species, followed by
the Polypores with 21 species, while cup
fungi, slime mould and Coral fungi were
represented in the whole collection by a single
species each. Twenty-eight percent (28.08 %)
of the morpho-groups were abundant
occurring across all transects surveyed, while
15.12 % were found in eight transects, 2.88 %
in four sites and 2.16 % in two sites.
212 C.B. Ajiya et al. / J. Pharmacy & Bioresources 15(2), 208-221 (2018)
Occurrence of macro fungi species with
substrate type (Level of deadwood decay).
The results revealed a variation in the number
of species of macrofungi with degree of
decomposition of the substrate (Figure 4).
Results showed that the number of species
increased with higher degree of decay except
at the very high state of decomposition.
DISCUSSION
This study identified a total of 72 macro-fungi
species associated with decomposed dead
wood. The species were widely distributed
across 8 classes, 12 orders and 27 families.
Species richness depended on the micro
environment and state of decay of deadwood.
It has been shown that adequate moisture
content is a major determinant of the diversity
of macrofungi fruiting bodies [16]. Our result
showed a marked variation in species
composition in response to level of decay of
the various dead wood sampled.
Interestingly, the most species rich was not
the most decayed substrate although the trend
was that of progressive increase with level of
decay (Fig. 4). This shows that there is an
optimum range of micro-habitat quality that
supports the most diversity. This is in
agreement with the work of Osemwegie and
Okhouya [16], conducted in an oil palm agro
forest in Edo state where they recorded 49
species. The species richness of macrofungi
from this study may seem small in
comparison to other descriptions of
macrofungi from similar landscapes. For
instance, Andrew [4] recorded 177 species of
wood fungi from across a wide range of
substrates within the span of two years in
Mount Cameroon forests. However, if this
species list must be seen within the context
that the substrate was limited to deadwood
and the sampling occurred only in one season,
we can say without fear of bias that our study
site is relatively rich in macrofungi diversity.
Figure 1: Map of study area showing the forest and its adjoining fragments A, B, and C.
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C.B. Ajiya et al. / J. Pharmacy & Bioresources 15(2), 208-221 (2018)
Figure 2: Macrofungi distribution across Families of Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve
214 C.B. Ajiya et al. / J. Pharmacy & Bioresources 15(2), 208-221 (2018)
Figure 3: Taxonomic Orders of Macro fungal Species at Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve
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C.B. Ajiya et al. / J. Pharmacy & Bioresources 15(2), 208-221 (2018)
Figure 4: Occurrence of macrofungi species with their substrate characteristics (decay level)
Table 1: Distribution of Fruiting body forms of Macro-fungi in Ngel Nyaki forest Reserve
S/N
Fruiting body Forms
Total no. of Species
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Agarics
Ascomycota
Coral Fungi
Cup Fungi
Jelly Fungi
Polypores
Puff ball
Slime mould
39
3
1
1
4
21
2
1
Table 2: Checklist of Macrofungi Species, their relative frequency and density at Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve.
Macrofungi
Family
Fruit body
forms
Relative
Frequency
Relative
Density
Amanita ocreata Peck
Amanitaceae
Agarics
1.20
0.08
Amanita vaginata (Bull.) Lam.
Amanitaceae
Agarics
0.60
0.11
Armillaria sp (1)
Physalacriaceae
Agarics
0.60
0.27
Armillaria sp (2)
Physalacriaceae
Agarics
2.41
0.22
Auricularia auriculata-judae
Auriculariaceae
Jelly fungi
0.60
0.05
Auricularia delicata (Fr,) Henn
Auriculariaceae
Jelly fungi
0.60
0.16
Auricularia sp
Auriculariaceae
Jelly fungi
0.60
0.14
Bisporella citrina (Batsch) Korf & S.E. Carp
Helotiaceae
Ascomycota
1.20
3.42
Calyptella capula (Holmsk.)
Rickenellaceae
Agarics
0.60
0.11
Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa J. Schrot
Clavariaceae
Slime moulds
0.60
0.03
Chlorophyllum molybdites (G. Mey.) Massee
Agaricaleceae
Agarics
0.60
0.14
216 C.B. Ajiya et al. / J. Pharmacy & Bioresources 15(2), 208-221 (2018)
Clavaria straminea Cotton
Fomitopsidaceae
Polypores
0.60
0.14
Coprinellus sp (1)
Psanthyrellaceae
Agarics
0.60
0.05
Coprinellus sp (2)
Psanthyrellaceae
Agarics
0.60
0.19
Coprinus lagopus
Psanthyrellaceae
Agarics
1.20
0.14
Coriolopsis gallica (Fr.) Ryvarden
Polyporaceae
Polypores
0.60
0.03
Cotylidia sp.
Nidulariaceae
Agarics
0.60
1.37
crucibulum sp
Agaricaleceae
Puffball
1.20
0.05
Daedalea flavida Lév
Polyporaceae
Polypores
0.60
0.08
Daedalea quercina (L.) Pers.
Fomitopsidaceae
Polypores
0.60
0.03
Deculata integralla
Polyporaceae
Polypores
2.41
0.55
Disciseda subterranea (Peck) Coker & Couch
Agaricaleceae
Agarics
2.41
4.10
Disciseda subterranea (Pk.) Coker & Couch
Fomitopsidaceae
Polypores
0.60
1.37
Favolaschia sp1
Mycenaceae
Agarics
1.20
1.40
Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr.
Ganodermataceae
Polypores
0.60
0.08
Fomitopsis pinicola (Sw.) P. Karst
Ganodermataceae
Polypores
3.01
2.05
Galerina farinacea A.H Sm
Ganodermataceae
Polypores
0.60
0.19
Ganoderma australe (Fr) Pat
Ganodermataceae
Polypores
0.60
0.03
Ganoderma curtisii (Berk.) Murrill
Ganodermataceae
Polypores
0.60
0.03
Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. Fr.) P. Karsten
Ganodermataceae
Polypores
0.60
0.03
Ganoderma sp (1)
Ganodermataceae
Polypores
3.61
2.27
Ganoderma sp (2)
Ganodermataceae
Polypores
0.60
0.03
Ganoderma sp (3)
Ganodermataceae
Polypores
3.61
0.30
Ganoderma sp (4)
Ganodermataceae
Polypores
0.60
0.05
Hemimycena candida (Bres) Singer
Russulaceae
Agarics
5.42
10.62
Hemimycena mairei (E-J Gilbert) Singer
Russulaceae
Agarics
0.60
0.05
Hexgonia sp
Mycenaceae
Agarics
1.20
0.16
Hygrocybe aurantioalba (Fr.) P.Kumm.
Mycenaceae
Agarics
0.60
0.03
Ischnoderma resinosum (Fr) kars
Russulaceae
Agarics
0.60
0.03
Lactarius gerardii Peck
Marasmiaceae
Agarics
1.20
0.68
Lactarius zonarius (Bull.) Fr.
Marasmiaceae
Agarics
1.20
0.57
Laetiporus sulphureus-(Bull.) Murrill
Polyporaceae
Polypores
1.20
0.08
Lycoperdon subincarnatum Peck
Pleurotaceae
Puffball
0.60
0.05
Marasmius albogriseus (Peck) Singer
Marasmiaceae
Agarics
0.60
0.03
Marasmius cris-equi F.Muell
Marasmiaceae
Agarics
1.81
0.11
Melanoleuca sp (1)
Tricholomataceae
Agarics
1.20
0.36
Melanoleuca sp (2)
Tricholomataceae
Agarics
3.61
2.44
Microporus xanthopus (Fr.) Kuntze
Polyporaceae
Polypores
0.60
0.05
Mycena olida (Bres.) Singer
Mycenaceae
Agarics
0.60
0.16
Neobulgaria pura
Polyporaceae
Polypores
0.60
0.08
Oudemansiella sp (1)
Physalacriaceae
Agarics
1.20
1.50
Oudemansiella sp (2)
Physalacriaceae
Agarics
1.20
0.08
Oudemansiella sp (3)
Physalacriaceae
Agarics
1.20
0.14
Oudemansiella sp (4)
Physalacriaceae
Agarics
1.20
0.08
Panaeolus sp
Incertaesedis
Agarics
1.81
0.33
Phaeotellus griseopallidus (Desm)
Hymenochaetaceae
Agarics
1.20
3.42
Phellinus viticola (Schweein.) Donk
Pleurotaceae
Agarics
2.41
1.40
Phillipsia subpurpurea Berk &Broome
Hymenochaetaceae
cupfungi
1.81
3.97
Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quél
Gomphalaceae
Agarics
4.22
0.93
Polyporus brumalis (Pers.) Fr.
Polyporaceae
Polypores
0.60
0.14
Polyporus tricholoma Mont
Tricholomataceae
Agarics
1.20
0.08
Postia sp
Fomitopsidaceae
Polypores
0.60
0.19
Psathyrella conopulus (Fr.) A. Pearson & Dennis
Psathyrellaceae
Agarics
0.60
0.05
Psathyrella sp
Psathyrellaceae
Agarics
1.20
0.27
Ramaria anziana
Geoglossaceae
Coral fungi
0.60
0.03
Russula xerampelina
Russulaceae
Agarics
7.23
0.63
Termitomyces eurhizus (Berk.) Heim
Russulaceae
Agarics
4.82
1.34
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C.B. Ajiya et al. / J. Pharmacy & Bioresources 15(2), 208-221 (2018)
Tremetes sp
Polyporaceae
Polypores
0.60
0.14
Trichoglossum hirsutum
Geoglossaceae
Ascomycota
23.49
50.07
Tromyces sp
Polyporaceae
Polypores
3.61
0.33
Volvariella caesiocincta
Pluteaceae
Agarics
0.60
0.03
Xylaria cf. grammica (Mont)
Xyleriaceae
Ascomycota
0.60
0.05
Plate 1: 1.Amanita vaginata (Bull.) Lam. 2. Hemimycena candida (Bres) Singer 3. Favolaschia sp 4. Polyporus
brumalis (Pers.) Fr. 5. Psathyrella sp 6. Mycena olida (Bres.) Singer 7. Melanoleuca sp. 8. Chlorophyllum
molybdites (G. Mey.) Massee 9. Coprinellus sp- 10. Russula xerampelina.
218 C.B. Ajiya et al. / J. Pharmacy & Bioresources 15(2), 208-221 (2018)
Plate 2: 1. Xylaria cf. grammica (Mont) 2. Daedalea flavida Lév 3. Bisporella citrina 4. Postia sp- 5. Tromyces sp 6.
Daedalea quercina (L.) Pers 7. Auricularia sp 8. Auricularia delicata (Fr,) Henn 9. Auricularia auriculata-judae
Plate 3: 1. Neobulgaria pura (Fr.) Petr 2.Crucibulum sp3. Galerina farinacea 4.Trichoglossum hirsutum 5.
Phillipsia subpurpurea Berk 6. Ramaria anziana 7. Lycoperdon subincarnatum Peck1. 8. Disciseda subterranea
(Pk.) Coker & Couch 9. Coriolopsis gallica
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C.B. Ajiya et al. / J. Pharmacy & Bioresources 15(2), 208-221 (2018)
Plate 4: 1. Polyporus tricholoma Mont 2. Phaeotellus griseopallidus3. Marasmius cris-equi F.Muell.4.
Oudemansiella sp 5. Ischnoderma resinosum (Fr) kars 6 Panaeolus sp 7. Armillaria sp . 8. Deculata integralla 9.
Psathyrella conopulus 10. Hygrocybe aurantioalba Leelav 11. Calyptella capula (Holmsk.) 12. Hemimycena mairei
(E-J Gilbert) Singer 13. Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quél 14. Volvariella caesiocincta.
Plate 5:1. Laetiporus sp 2. Tremetes sp 3. Ganoderma sp 4. Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr. 5. Microporus xanthopus
(Fr.) Kuntze 6. Ganoderma australe (Fr) Pat 7. phellinus viticola 8. Fomitopsis pinicola (Sw.) P. Karst 9.
Ganoderma sp2. 10. Hexagonia sp 11. Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. Fr.) P. Karsten 12. Ganoderma curtisii (Berk.)
Murrill.
The observation that Agaricales and
Polyporales were the most common orders in
this study agree with the findings of Andrew
et al. [4] on macrofungi diversity of mount
Cameroon. The high number of taxa found in
the order Agaricales in this study is in tandem
with previous studies (e.g. [16]). High taxa
number have been found in the families
Ganodermaceae (8 species), and Polyporaceae
(7 species) which varied slightly with the
findings of Andrew et al., [4] who reported
that Polyporaceae, followed by Marasmiaceae
had the highest representation in a similar
Afromontane forest. Several factors could
220 C.B. Ajiya et al. / J. Pharmacy & Bioresources 15(2), 208-221 (2018)
explain this finding, which may include but
not limited to differences in sampling
methods, soil and microclimate conditions.
On the basis of the type of nutrition, most of
them are mycorrhizal, lignicolous saprobiont
or necrotrophic parasite, thus they are
frequent in forest habitats.
Thirty-eight (52.77 %) of the species
were of rare occurrence while forty-six (46)
species had less than ten sporocarps during
the survey. The uneven distribution of
species, with a few dominating and majority
represented with less than ten specimens, is
typical for studies in fungal ecology [17].
Apart from Amanita ocreata, Amanita
vaginata, Armillaria sp, Armillaria sp,
Auricularia auriculata-judae and Auricularia
delicata, the rest of the species were either
occasional or rare. The reason for the rarity of
most of these species could be that the
environmental factors do not favour their
growth, which could include the presence of
their mycorrhizal plant counterparts. Also, it
could be due to the environmental
degradation as a result of deforestation.
Deforestation would expose previously
continuous forest to direct intrusion of
sunlight as well as other edge related effects,
of high temperatures, high humidity and
wind. This reduces the amount of moisture
needed to boost macrofungi diversity.
The Agarics and Polypores fungi had
high representation in this study area. This
could be attributed to the fact that most of
these species are saprotrophic, capable of
biodegrading many resistant unmanageable
organic-based substrates [18] present in the
forest ecosystem. The high representation by
the Agaric agrees with the observation of
O’Dell et al. [19,20]. Among the factors that
would be associated with the high abundance
of these taxa is their good biological
efficiency to utilize the available substrates.
Species richness was significantly
higher in large deadwood at an advance stage
of decay. Impact of decay stage on presence
of deadwood dwelling fungi have been
reported in similar studies by [4]. Fungi are
the most important agents of wood decay in
forest ecosystems and hence they open up the
wood resource for most other dead wood
dwelling organisms [21]. The implication of
this for ecosystem health and wellbeing is that
more diversity would be supported in this rare
montane forest and by extension more
ecosystem productivity.
Conclusion. It is evident from this survey that
Ngel Nyaki forest reserve holds vast diversity
of macrofungi with potential for the discovery
of new fungal species. More sampling is
needed across seasons (dry and rainy) and
over a couple of years to obtain a complete
macrofungi inventory of Ngel Nyaki forest
reserve. This work is an important first step
towards producing a comprehensive checklist
of macrofungi in the region, which is
important for management, and development
of conservation strategies. The rich diversity
of macrofungi in Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve
offers huge ecological and socio-economic
potentials.
The novelty of this study is the
development of baseline information on
poorly researched and documented taxa in the
Mambilla Plateau Ecoregion and Nigeria at
large. It is important to note that in order to
obtain a better picture of the biodiversity of
macrofungi of a particular region, it is
necessary to conduct long-term studies since
fungal species fruit sporadically with no
consistent pattern of occurrence from year to
year. Hence, many years of thorough surveys
are required to adequately describe the macro
fungal communities of a particular area.
Furthermore, it is important to have Nigerian
macrofungi atlas to ease identification, which
has been the most challenging part of this
research.
221
C.B. Ajiya et al. / J. Pharmacy & Bioresources 15(2), 208-221 (2018)
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