A comprehensive checklist of fungal species associated with Shorea robusta (Sal tree) in South Asia: taxonomic diversity and ecological insights

Abstract

In this literature-derived report, we present an updated checklist of fungal species associated with Shorea robusta. This compilation encompasses information regarding the habitats and locations where fungi have been identified on the sal tree, and integrates original taxonomic descriptions when available. In aggregate, 79 fungal species from 16 nations have been documented on the sal tree. The associated fungi can be classified into three primary groups: (i) Ascomycota: Spanning 10 orders, 12 families, and 13 genera, this group comprises 18 identified species and an additional 3 species yet to be precisely identified. (ii) Anamorphic-Hyphomycetes: This group includes 08 orders, 6 families, and 19 genera, encompassing 23 identified species and 2 species whose identification remains pending. (iii) Basidiomycota: Covering 5 orders, 11 families, and 26 genera, there are 39 discerned species and 3 species with undetermined taxonomy. From the data analyzed, a predominant proportion of the fungal species have been detected on the sal tree’s leaves, bark, branches, and decaying wood. Notably, the leaves manifest the highest fungal association. This checklist serves as a foundational resource for gauging the diversity of fungal species on the sal tree within the South Asian region.

Full text

Submitted 27 November 2023, Accepted 23 February 2024, Published 17 April 2024
Corresponding Author: Yong Wang – e-mail – yongwangbis@aliyun.com
Accepting reviewer: Xiang-Yu Zeng
# These authors contributed equally as first authors to this work 38
A comprehensive checklist of fungal species associated with Shorea
robusta (Sal tree) in South Asia: taxonomic diversity and ecological
insights
Tarafder E1#, Nizamani MM1#, Tian F1, Acharya K2, Zhang HL3,
Muhae-Ud-Din G1, and Wang Y1*
1 Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
2 Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Centre of Advanced Study, Department of Botany,
University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019, India
3 Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresources, School of Life and Sciences, Hainan
University, Haikou 570228, China
Tarafder E, Nizamani MM, Tian F, Acharya K, Zhang HL, Muhae-Ud-Din G, Wang Y 2024 –
A comprehensive checklist of fungal species associated with Shorea robusta (Sal tree) in South
Asia: taxonomic diversity and ecological insights. Plant Pathology & Quarantine 14(1), 38–52,
Doi 10.5943/ppq/14/1/3
Abstract
In this literature-derived report, we present an updated checklist of fungal species associated
with Shorea robusta. This compilation encompasses information regarding the habitats and
locations where fungi have been identified on the sal tree, and integrates original taxonomic
descriptions when available. In aggregate, 79 fungal species from 16 nations have been documented
on the sal tree. The associated fungi can be classified into three primary groups: (i) Ascomycota:
Spanning 10 orders, 12 families, and 13 genera, this group comprises 18 identified species and an
additional 3 species yet to be precisely identified. (ii) Anamorphic-Hyphomycetes: This group
includes 08 orders, 6 families, and 19 genera, encompassing 23 identified species and 2 species
whose identification remains pending. (iii) Basidiomycota: Covering 5 orders, 11 families, and 26
genera, there are 39 discerned species and 3 species with undetermined taxonomy. From the data
analyzed, a predominant proportion of the fungal species have been detected on the sal tree’s
leaves, bark, branches, and decaying wood. Notably, the leaves manifest the highest fungal
association. This checklist serves as a foundational resource for gauging the diversity of fungal
species on the sal tree within the South Asian region.
Keywords – Ascomycota – Basidiomycota – Checklist – Fungi – Hyphomycetes – South Asia
Introduction
Forests play a pivotal role as a primary reservoir of biodiversity, underpinning human
survival, economic prosperity, and the stability and functionality of ecosystems. The Shorea
robusta, colloquially known as the sal tree, is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, specifically
encompassing regions like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka (Soni et al. 2011). This
species, part of the Dipterocarpaceae family, predominantly populates tropical dry deciduous
Plant Pathology & Quarantine 14(1): 38–52 (2024) ISSN 2229-2217
www.ppqjournal.org Article
Doi 10.5943/ppq/14/1/3

39
forests, sharing these habitats with teak (Tectona grandis), Acacia catechu, and Syzygium cumini.
A notable feature of sal forests is their distinctive flora, largely characterized by the overwhelming
dominance of tree species.
Regrettably, due to relentless logging and habitat degradation, populations of Shorea robusta
are dwindling in select areas (Hore & Uniyal 2008, Tripathi & Singh 2009, Das et al. 2020). These
circumstances have precipitated conservation endeavors to safeguard this invaluable species. The
sal tree captivates the attention of ecologists and researchers, given its intrinsic role in forest
ecosystems, biodiversity, and as an indicator of anthropogenic influences on pristine habitats.
Forests, particularly those anchored by species like S. robusta, are ecologically invaluable.
They shelter a myriad of wildlife, ranging from mammals to fungi, thereby augmenting regional
biodiversity (Choeyklin et al. 2011). In this ecological tapestry, the Shorea robusta has symbiotic
relationships with a diverse array of fungi critical for processes like nutrient recycling and plant
vitality. The exact fungal communities partnering with S. robusta can be influenced by myriad
factors, including geography, edaphic conditions, and other environmental dynamics.
Although several fungal checklists emphasizing specific hosts, nations, or fungal subsets exist
- such as the ones concerning fungi on cabbage plants in New Zealand (Cordyline spp.) or rust
fungi in Turkey (Bahcecioglu & Kabaktepe 2012, Ariyawansa et al. 2015) – a holistic checklist
detailing fungi linked with Shorea robusta remains elusive. The Systematic Mycology and
Microbiology Laboratory (SMML) database reveals 79 fungus-host dyads related to sal (Farr &
Rossman 2021). accessible via https://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/). Predominantly, Shorea
robusta is associated with Ascomycota fungi, which can manifest as endophytes, pathogens, or
saprobes (Farr & Rossman 2021). A subset of Basidiomycota, often implicated in sal basal stem rot
and ectomycorrhizal symbiosis, is also documented (Farr & Rossman 2021, Tarafder et al. 2018,
2022).
The intention behind formulating this checklist is to consolidate extant knowledge about
fungal species affiliated with Shorea robusta. Such a curated list would not only stimulate future
fungal research but also lay the foundation for a comprehensive database detailing fungi associated
with sal trees.
Materials & Methods
This checklist is meticulously curated from both recent academic publications and reputable
online databases. A significant reference point for this list was the USDA database, available at
https://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/fungushost/fungushost.cfm, with the most recent access on
15–11–2023. To ensure the utmost systematic precision, accuracy in nomenclature, and the usage of
current names, we referred to two globally recognized fungal databases: Index Fungorum, available
at http://indexfungorum.org and MycoBank, accessible at https://www.mycobank.org. Both
databases were last consulted on 06 November 2023.
For ease of reference, the taxa – encompassing phylum, class, order, family, genera, and
species – are organized in an alphabetical order.
Results
The checklist detailing fungal associations with Shorea robusta has been meticulously
assembled utilizing data from the United States National Fungus Collections Fungus-Host Database
(Farr & Rossman 2021, Piepenbring 2006). This is further augmented by scholarly articles from
both books and peer-reviewed journals. Within the checklist, information encompasses fungal
species names, their associated substrate, and the specific locations where fungi have been detected
on the sal tree. The nomenclature used for these fungal species is corroborated by the most recent
data from Index Fungorum (2023) available at https://www.indexfungorum.org/Names/Names.asp.
The taxonomy is based on the classification by Wijayawardene et al. (2020).
From the combined data sourced from the U.S. National Fungus Collections Fungus-Host
Database (Farr & Rossman 2021) and pertinent literature, the comprehensive checklist presents 80

40
species identified at the genus level. These species are distributed among 40 genera, 32 families,
and 22 orders, spanning across three fungal phyla:
1. Basidiomycota: Housing 40 species, this phylum is further categorized into 5 orders, 11
families, and 27 genera (Table 3). The dominant genera include Phellinus (23%), Ganoderma
(10%), and Lenzites (5%) as illustrated in Fig. 1A. The families predominantly observed are
Hymenochaetaceae (54%), Polyporaceae (18%), and Phomitopsidaceae (12%) as shown in Fig. 2A.
The orders with the most representations are Hymenochaetales (64%), Polyporales (26%), and
Agaricales (5%) - depicted in Fig. 3A.
2. Ascomycota: This phylum includes 18 species grouped into 13 genera, 11 families, and 10
orders (Table 1). Prominent genera within this group are Lembosia (17%), Xylaria (12%), and
Morenoella (11%), as delineated in Fig. 1B. The most represented families include Asterinaceae
(39%), Xylariaceae (29%), and Nectriaceae (6%), shown in Fig. 2B. The major orders are
Asterinales (44%), Coronophorales (11%), and Xylariales (6%), as illustrated in Fig. 3B.
3. Anamorphic Fungi: Encompassing 23 species, these are divided into 18 genera, 10
families, and 8 orders (Table 2). The most prevalent genera are Fusarium (13%), Cylindrocladium
(9%), Pseudocercospora (9%), and Zasmidium (6%) as depicted in Fig. 1C. The major families are
Mycosphaerellaceae (47%) and Nectriaceae (26%) as displayed in Fig. 2C. The predominant orders
include Hypocreales (35%), Mycosphaereles (26%), and Eurotiales (9%), represented in Fig. 3C.
The most reported species on plant parts were dead hardwoods (40%), leaves (27%), rotten
trunk (14%), and base of living tree (7%) (Fig 4). Fig. 5 depicts the distribution frequency of
ascomycota, anamorphic fungi and basidiomycota associated with sal trees. The largest reports
were from India 45, Philippines 16, and Indonesia 9 taxa. This holistic checklist not only presents a
granular insight into the fungal biodiversity associated with Shorea robusta, but also serves as a
valuable resource for subsequent research and conservation efforts.
Discussion
According to our findings, the most abundant species on Shorea robusta trees are
Basidiomycota and Ascomycota. Over fifty percent of the taxa are isolated from leaves and the
base of the living tree. Fungi are critical in the breakdown of leaf litter as they can swiftly
decompose lignin and other refractory components, impacting decomposition in terrestrial
ecosystems (Tripathi & Singh 2009, Fedorenko 2019, Fabrini & Wartchow 2020). The foregoing
overviews clearly demonstrate that the taxon of different fungi determines their prospective ability
to break down litter. Meanwhile, the origins or substrates of fungal species may have an impact on
their breakdown ability (Nizamani et al. 2023).
To deepen our understanding of ecological relationships, it’s crucial to explore the co-
evolutionary dynamics between the Shorea robusta tree, a sal tree predominantly found in south
Asian forests, and dominant fungal families such as Hymenochaetaceae. This symbiosis may
extend beyond mere mutual benefits; it could lead to specialized interactions that have evolved over
time to significantly influence the survival, growth, and health of both the tree and the fungi. For
instance, the fungi may offer the tree protection against pathogens while gaining essential nutrients
for their own growth (Smith & Read 2010). Furthermore, examining such relationships may also
offer insights into broader ecological questions. It can serve as a gateway for future research
endeavors focused on understanding how specific fungi contribute to the overall health and
resilience of trees. The implications of this could be far-reaching, potentially informing forest
management strategies aimed at promoting sustainable ecosystems (Hooper et al. 2005).
The checklist presented provides an exhaustive and contemporary summary of fungi
associated with Shorea robusta, a species of tree primarily found in South Asian forests. The data
has been meticulously compiled from multiple sources, notably the USDA Database, which can be
accessed online, as well as from scholarly monographs and books. The taxa enumerated in this
checklist are systematically categorized into varying levels of taxonomic hierarchy, including 23
orders, 29 families, 58 genera, and 80 identified species. Additionally, there are 8 species that
remain unidentified at this time. The research findings also delve into the spatial distribution of

41
these fungi on different parts of the Shorea robusta tree. According to the data, the leaves host 27%
of the total identified fungi species, while the base of the living tree accommodates 14%.
Fig. 1 – The percentage frequency of genera of Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, Anamorphic fungi
associated with the sal tree. Pie chart showing the frequency percentage occurrence.
A Basidiomycota. B Ascomycota. C Anamorph.

42
Fig. 2 – The percentage frequency of families of Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, Anamorphic fungi
associated with the sal tree. Pie chart showing the frequency percentage occurrence.
A Basidiomycota. B Ascomycota. C Anamorph.

43
Table 1 List of Ascomycota on Shorea robusta.
Genus
Family
Order
Host Substratum
Country
Reference
Asterina pemphidioides
Asterinaceae
Asterinales
Leaves
India
Patel et al. (1997), Teodoro (1937)
Asterina pluripora
Asterinaceae
Asterinales
Living leaves
India
Spaulding (1961), Hosagoudar &
Abraham (2000)
Asterinella luzonensis
Microthyriaceae
Asterinales
Leaves
Philippines
Teodoro (1937), Spaulding (1961)
Govindua shoreae
Microthyriaceae
Microthyriales
Leaves
India
Wu et al. (2011)
Graphina sp.
Graphidaceae
Ostropales
Fallen Bark
Brunei Darussalam
Peregrine & Ahmad (1982)
Lambertella buchwaldii
Rutstroemiaceae
Helotiales
Twigs and petioles of
leaves
India
Tewari & Singh (1972)
Lembosia bakeri
Asterinaceae
Asterinales
Leaves
Philippines
Teodoro (1937)
Lembosia shoreae
Asterinaceae
Asterinales
Leaves
India
Soni et al. (2011)
Lembosia xyliae
Asterinaceae
Asterinales
Leaves
Thailand
Hyde et al. (2019)
Morenoella bakeri
Asterinaceae
Asterinales
Leaves
Philippines
Teodoro (1937)
Morenoella euopla
Asterinaceae
Asterinales
Living leaves
Malayasia
Lui (1977)
Nitschkia floridana
Nitschkiaceae
Coronophorales
Dead Bark
India
Patel et al. 1997
Pertusaria sp.
Pertusariaceae
Pertusariales
Leaves
Brunei Darussalam
Peregrine & Ahmad (1982)
Phyllachora sp.
Phyllachoraceae
Phyllachorales
Leaves
Myanmar
Thaung (2008)
Rhytidhysteron rufulum
Patellariaceae
Patellariales
Fallen Bark
India
Rajak & Pandey (1985)
Xylaria corniformis
Xylariaceae
Xylariales
Decaying wood
Philippines
Teodoro (1937)
Xylaria polymorpha
Xylariaceae
Xylariales
Decaying wood
India
Spaulding (1961)
Zasmidium shoreicola
Mycosphaerellaceae
Mycosphaerellales
Leaves
India
Kamal (2010)
Table 2 List of Anamorphic Fungi on Shorea robusta.
Genus
Family
Order
Host Substratum
Country
Reference
Aspergillus niger
Aspergillaceae
Eurotiales
Leaves
India
Richardson (1990)
Aureobasidium pullulans
Saccotheciaceae
Dothideales
Leaves
Florida, Oregon
Schmidt & French (1976)
Cladosporium tenuissimum
Cladosporiaceae
Capnodiales
Leaves
Laos
Bensch et al. (2010, 2012)
Cylindrocladium scoparium
Nectriaceae
Hypocreales
Dead bark
Malaysia
Richardson (1990)
Cylindrocladium sp.
Nectriaceae
Hypocreales
Leaves
Malay Peninsula
Richardson (1990)
Endocalyx amarkantakensis
Cainiaceae
Xylariales
Dead wood
India
Patel et al. (2000–2001)
Fuligomyces indicus
Incertae sedis
Incertae sedis
Leaves
India
Khan et al. (1993)
Fusarium oxysporum
Nectriaceae
Hypocreales
Leaf litter
Indonesia
Tunarsih et al. (2015)
Fusarium solani
Nectriaceae
Hypocreales
Leaf litter
Indonesia
Tunarsih et al. (2015)
Fusarium sp.
Nectriaceae
Hypocreales
Leaf litter
Indonesia, Malay
Peninsula
Richardson (1990), Tunarsih et al.
(2015)
Gliocladiopsis tenuis
Nectriaceae
Hypocreales
Leaf litter
India
Crous (2002)
Lecanicillium saksenae
Cordycipitaceae
Hypocreales
Leaf litter
Indonesia
Sukarno et al. (2009)

44
Table 2 Continued.
Genus
Family
Order
Host Substratum
Country
Reference
Penicillium sp.
Aspergillaceae
Eurotiales
Leaves
Malay Peninsula
Richardson (1990)
Periconia shyamala
Incertae sedis
Pleosporales
Leaves
India
Kobayashi & Guzman (1988)
Prathigada shoreae
Mycosphaerellaceae
Mycosphaerellales
Leaves
India
Kamal (2010)
Pseudocercospora shoreae-
robustae
Mycosphaerellaceae
Mycosphaerellales
Leaves
India
Kamal (2010)
Pseudocercosporella
shoreae
Mycosphaerellaceae
Mycosphaerellales
Leaves
India
Rai & Kamal (1993)
Spiropes shoreae
Incertae sedis
Incertae sedis
Leaves
India
Ellis (1971)
Stachybotrys
mangiferae
Stachybotryaceae
Hypocreales
Dead twigs
India
Misra & Srivastava (1982)
Stenella shoreae
Teratosphaeriaceae
Mycosphaerellales
Leaves
India
Khan et al. (1995)
Tretospora shoreae
Incertae sedis
Incertae sedis
Leaves
India
Khan et al. (1993)
Zasmidium shoreae
Teratosphaeriaceae
Mycosphaerellales
Leaves
India
Kamal (2010)
Zasmidium shoreicola
Teratosphaeriaceae
Mycosphaerellales
Leaves
India
Kamal (2010)
Table 3 List of Basidiomycota on Shorea robusta.
Genus
Family
Order
Host Substratum
Country
Reference
Anthracophyllum nigritum
Omphalotaceae
Agaricales
Fallen twigs
India, Philippines
Senthilarasu & Kumaresan (2016),
Teodoro (1937)
Bjerkandera adusta
Phanerochaetaceae
Polyporales
Rotten trunk
India
Sharma (2012)
Collybia sp.
Omphalotaceae
Agaricales
Fallen twigs
Malay Peninsula
Thompson & Johnston (1953)
Coriolopsis badia
Polyporaceae
Polyporales
Dead hardwoods
Philippines, Brunei
Darussalam
Peregrine & Ahmad (1982)
Corticium sp.
Corticiaceae
Corticiales
Decaying logs
Philippines
Teodoro (1937), Sarbhoy & Agarwal
(1990)
Daedalea sulcata
Fomitopsidaceae
Polyporales
Rotting hardwood
stump
Sri Lanka, India
Sharma (2012)
Flavodon flavus
Irpicaceae
Polyporales
Dead branches
North America, India
Sharma (2012)
Fomes fullageri
Polyporaceae
Polyporales
Rotten trunk
Philippines
Teodoro (1937)
Fulvifomes
imbricatus
Hymenochaetaceae
Hymenochaetales
Living logs
Thailand
Zhou (2015)
Fuscoporia senex
Hymenochaetaceae
Hymenochaetales
Fallen wood
Iran, China, Taiwan,
Japan, Vietnam, Korea,
Philippines
Teodoro (1937), Zhou (2015)
Ganoderma applanatum
Polyporaceae
Polyporales
Dead logs
India, Philippines
Teodoro (1937), Sarbhoy & Agarwal
(1990), Spaulding (1961)

45
Table 3 Continued.
Genus
Family
Order
Host Substratum
Country
Reference
Ganoderma applanatum var.
philippinense
Polyporaceae
Polyporales
Rotten trunk
India, Peninsular
Malaysia, Borneo, Java,
Philippines
Teodoro (1937)
Ganoderma australe
Polyporaceae
Polyporales
Rotten stump
India, Philippines
Teodoro (1937), Reinking (1921),
Sharma (2012), Spaulding (1961),
Ganoderma lucidum
Polyporaceae
Polyporales
Roots and trunks
India
Sarbhoy & Agarwal (1990), Sharma
(2012), Spaulding (1961)
Gloeophyllum striatum
Gloeophyllaceae
Gloeophyllales
Decaying logs
Philippines
Teodoro (1937), Reinking (1921)
Hexagonia albida
Polyporaceae
Polyporales
Dead hardwoods
Philippines
Teodoro (1937)
Hymenochaete microcycla
Hymenochaetaceae
Hymenochaetales
Rotting trunk
India
Sarbhoy & Agarwal (1990)
Hymenochaete rubiginosa
Hymenochaetaceae
Hymenochaetales
Rotting stump
India
Sharma (2012)
Lenzites albidus
Polyporaceae
Polyporales
Rotting trunk
India
Sharma (2012)
Lenzites striatus
Polyporaceae
Polyporales
Rotting trunk
India
Sharma (2012)
Perenniporia xantha
Polyporaceae
Polyporales
Bark of decaying twig
French Guiana
Boom & Mori (1982)
Phellinus badius
Hymenochaetaceae
Hymenochaetales
Base of living tree
India
Sharma (2012)
Phellinus caryophylli
Hymenochaetaceae
Hymenochaetales
Dead trunk
India
Sharma (2012)
Phellinus fastuosus
Hymenochaetaceae
Hymenochaetales
Base of a living tree
India
Sharma (2012)
Phellinus gilvus
Hymenochaetaceae
Hymenochaetales
Hardwood trunk
India
Sharma (2012)
Phellinus rimosus
Hymenochaetaceae
Hymenochaetales
Base of living tree
India
Sharma (2012)
Phellinus robiniae
Hymenochaetaceae
Hymenochaetales
Base of living tree
Massachusetts, New
York, New Jersey,
Ohio, West Virginia,
Virginia, Alabama,
India
Sharma (2012)
Phellinus setulosus
Hymenochaetaceae
Hymenochaetales
Dead hardwoods
India
Sharma (2012)
Phylloporia ribis
Hymenochaetaceae
Hymenochaetales
Base of a living tree
India
Sharma (2012)
Pisolithus
aurantioscabrosus
Sclerodermataceae
Hymenochaetales
Under living tree
Peninsular Malaysia
Watling et al. (1995)
Pisolithus sp.
Sclerodermataceae
Hymenochaetales
Living logs
New Caledonia, Japan
Hosaka (2009)
Pyrofomes tricolor
Polyporaceae
Polyporales
Living trunk
Philippines, India
Sharma (2012)
Pyrrhoderma lamaoense
Hymenochaetaceae
Hymenochaetales
Decayed wood
Philippines
Teodoro (1937)
Ranadivia stereoides
Fomitopsidaceae
Hymenochaetales
Dead trunk
India
Lindner et al. (2011)
Rigidoporus microporus
Meripilaceae
Hymenochaetales
Living hardwoods
India
Sharma (2012)
Sanghuangporus baumii
Hymenochaetaceae
Hymenochaetales
Base of living tree
India
Sharma (2012)
Trametes hirsute
Polyporaceae
Polyporales
Rotting hardwood
stump
India
Sarbhoy & Agarwal (1990)

46
Fig. 3 – The percentage frequency of order of Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, Anamorphic fungi
associated with the sal tree. Pie chart showing the frequency percentage occurrence.
A Basidiomycota. B Ascomycota. C Anamorph.

47
Fig. 4 – Pie chart showing the frequency percentage of species associated from different plant parts
of the Shorea robusta tree.
Fig. 5 – The number of species isolated belonging to Basidiomycota, Ascomycota and Anamorphic
fungi associated with Shorea robusta trees from different countries.
Interestingly, fallen bark accounts for 7% of the fungi species. These specifics offer a granular
understanding of how fungi interact with different parts of the tree, which can be invaluable for
both ecological studies and practical applications, such as disease management in forestry (Piasai &
Manoch 2009a, b).
It is particularly striking that within the Basidiomycota division, the Hymenochaetaceae
family stands out as the most expansive and universally distributed, featuring an impressive 15
genera and 25 species. This family’s prevalence suggests its critical role in shaping the ecology
around the Shorea robusta trees and could hint at specialized symbiotic relationships that are yet to
be explored (Smith & Read 2010). Following Hymenochaetaceae, the Polyporaceae family also
emerges as a significant contributor, with its representation comprising 7 genera and 10 species.
These families might play different roles in nutrient cycling, decomposing wood, or even in

48
protecting the trees from certain pathogens (Gilbert & Sousa 2002). Worthy of mention are also the
families Omphalotaceae and Gloeophyllaceae, each represented by a single genus and species.
Though less numerous, their unique presence may offer insights into specialized roles they play in
the ecosystem, whether it be in nutrient absorption, mutualistic relationships, or other ecological
functions (Baldrian 2017).
The preeminence of the Hymenochaetaceae family in association with Shorea robusta is not
just a numerical curiosity; it holds broader ecological implications that warrant closer examination.
This family’s dominance may imply a range of ecological functions and services that they provide,
both to the Shorea robusta trees and to the ecosystem at large. For example, members of the
Hymenochaetaceae family could serve as a crucial food source for certain decomposers like
detritivorous insects, thereby fueling the nutrient cycle (Shivas et al. 2007, Crowther et al. 2015).
Alternatively, these fungi might also engage in mutualistic relationships with other organisms,
including plants and animals, thereby facilitating complex ecological networks (Kiers et al. 2011).
Moreover, it is imperative to bring the discussion to the contemporary context of climate change.
Shifts in temperature, humidity, and other climatic factors can potentially alter the distribution and
prevalence of these fungi. Such changes could have ripple effects on ecosystem functions, such as
nutrient cycling, soil structure, and even the health and distribution of Shorea robusta itself (Allen
et al. 2003).
The checklist serves as a cornerstone resource for a diverse group of experts, including
mycologists, ecologists, and conservationists, who are keen on understanding and preserving the
rich fungal biodiversity associated with Shorea robusta. The checklist’s utility extends far beyond
academic interest; it could potentially inform critical conservation initiatives. Evaluating the
conservation status of the fungi on the list becomes paramount, especially in the context of an ever-
changing environment (Paguirigan et al. 2020). Are any of these fungi endangered, threatened, or
vulnerable? The extinction or diminution of specific fungal species could have cascading impacts
on the Shorea robusta ecosystems. These fungi may play key roles in nutrient cycling, plant health,
and the stability of food webs, among other things (Heilmann–Clausen et al. 2015, Rathnayaka &
Jayawardena 2019). Understanding the conservation status could not only help in the protection of
these fungi but could also offer insights into the overall health and resilience of the Shorea robusta
ecosystems they inhabit. Additionally, information about endangered or threatened fungal species
could guide future conservation policies, and even inform land management decisions that favor the
preservation of these critical ecological components (Waldrop et al. 2006).
Conclusion
The intricate fungal associations with Shorea robusta underscore the vast biodiversity and
ecological interactions underpinning global forest ecosystems. The compiled checklist, curated
from reputable sources such as the USDA database and scholarly literature, offers an invaluable
resource highlighting the intricate taxonomy and distribution of fungi affiliated with this tree. With
Hymenochaetaceae emerging as the predominant family in this symbiotic relationship, the data
brings to the forefront the significance of certain fungal families in sustaining and influencing the
health and biodiversity of Shorea robusta. Such insights not only augment our understanding of
forest ecology but also pave the way for informed conservation and research initiatives. As we
move forward, it’s crucial that these checklists are updated on a regular basis to account for the
dynamics of forest ecosystems changing over time and the dynamic field of fungal biodiversity.
Acknowledgements
This work was financed by the following projects: National Natural Science Foundation of
China (No. 31972222, 31660011), Program of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities of
China (111 Program, D20023), Talent project of Guizhou Science and Technology Cooperation
Platform (2019]5641, [2019]13), Guizhou Science, Technology Department of International
Cooperation Base project ([2018]5806), the project of Guizhou Provincial Education Department
([2021]001), and Guizhou Science and Technology Innovation Talent Team Project ([2020]5001).

49
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