Interactions between saprotrophic basidiomycete mycelia and mycophagous soil fauna

Abstract

Saprotrophic cord-forming basidiomycetes are functionally important components of temperate woodland ecosystems, being major agents of organic matter decomposition and affecting the distribution of nutrients within soils. They also represent the primary nutrient source for soil-dwelling animals. We review the interactions between cord-forming basidiomycetes and soil invertebrates, and their implications for the soil-decomposer community and woodland ecosystem functioning. Top-down grazing pressures can influence mycelial growth and physiology with implications for fungal nutrient distribution and mineralisation. Bottom-up effects also determine the survival, population growth and behaviour of invertebrates. These top-down and bottom-up processes are intrinsically linked and interact to determine decomposer communities and their functioning. © 2012, 2012 Mycological Society of China.