Wood decaying polypores in boreal forests of Finland and northwestern Russia - Mariko Lindgren

Field instructions for collecting data on wood decaying fungi on sample plots

All living and dead trees with breast height diameter 5 cm or more are studied. In data sets 7-14, also stumps of this diameter are studied. Of these the occurrences of fruiting bodies of wood-inhabiting polypores and other target species are noted. At the same time, the data of each tree is recorded according to the Field instructions for collecting tree-, dead tree-, and biotope data.

In practice, living and dead standing trees are checked from the ground. If polypore-looking but unrecognizable objects are seen on the crown, they are examined by binoculars or tried to push down by long sticks. Sometimes it is needed to climb on the tree or push the tree down to identify the species. In parctice these methods are very rarely used.

Downed logs are examined thoroughly. Small logs and branches are lifted up from the ground for examination. Middle-sized logs are rolled over to be able see their lower surfaces. Big logs are studied preferably by going on all fours along their both sides from other end to the other and by studying unvisible surface areas by (preferably bare) hands. If needed, mosses growing on the sides of the log are removed and/or the undergrowth (usually thickets of Ledum palustre) is teared or cutted by a knife or an axe.

If possible, species are identified "by sight" on the field. Names of the species found on each tree are written to the notebook next to the information of that tree (see. Field instructions for collecting tree-, dead tree-, and biotope data ). If the species makes perennial fruiting bodies and if only dead fruiting bodies are found on the tree, this is marked as an epithet. A perennial fruiting body is interpreted dead, if there is no living mycelium inside it (or on its attachment point) or if it seems very unlikely that it will still form a new hymenium. If a species makes annual fruiting bodies and oly dead fruiting bodies are found, this is also noted as an epithet.

Specimen is collected if there are any doubts in the species identification. Collection number is written to the notebook next to the host-tree-information. If needed, several collections (from several species-candidates) may be made from a single tree by using the alphabets a, b, c etc. Each collection is put in a separeate, clean paper bag or an envelope, on which the collection number, tree species and a name-guess of the species (with question mark) is written. A name-guess reduces the risk that specimens get mixed in the dryer. Specimens are dried in a mushroom-dryer in the same night or as soon as possible.

Fruiting bodies of a single species growing on a single host tree (definition by the Field instructions for collecting tree-, dead tree-, and biotope data. mukaan) are counted as one individual (or occurrence). So, the abundance estimates got from this study are based on the number of host trees and not on the number of fungal genets!