ScienceAsia 51S (2023): 1-13 |doi:
10.2306/scienceasia1513-1874.2023.s014
The crucial roles of ascomycetes in wood litter
decomposition: Current knowledge, diversity and function
Naghmeh Afsharia,b, Antonio R. Gomes de Fariasb, Maryam T. Noorabadic, Chitrabhanu S. Bhunjunb,d,
Chayanard Phukhamsakdab, Kevin D. Hydeb,e,f,*,?, Fatimah Alotibif, Saisamorn Lumyonga,g,h,*,?
ABSTRACT: Plant litter, encompassing fallen branches and leaves, are integral component of forest ecosystems,
serving as a critical substrate for microbial colonization and activities. They are primarily decomposed by diverse
microorganisms, among them fungi which contribute to the carbon and nutrient cycling in different habitats. Moreover,
the diversity of fungi, particularly ascomycetes, is crucial for maintaining ecosystem dynamics and resilience. These
fungi can decompose complex organic compounds, which are abundant in wood litter. Wood litter significantly
affects biodiversity, carbon storage, and nutrient dynamics, thereby facilitating nutrient recycling and consequently
promoting plant growth. Despite the importance of ascomycetes in wood litter decomposition, their diversity and
specific ecological functions are difficult to establish. This review highlights the importance of ascomycetes in the
decomposition of wood litter, emphasizing their distribution and diversity as fundamental aspects of the ecosystem.
Furthermore, this review aims at consolidating existing knowledge on the diversity and ecological roles of ascomycetes
in terrestrial wood litter decomposition and identifying gaps in current knowledge. Future research focusing on novel
comprehensive molecular approaches coupled with studies on the diversity and host-recurrence of ascomycetes are
requisite. Additionally, long-term monitoring of the decomposition process under different environmental conditions
is required to properly understand the biological and ecological roles of this group of fungi.
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| a |
Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand |
| b |
Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100 Thailand |
| c |
Innovative Institute for Plant Health, College of Agriculture and Biology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and
Engineering, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225 China |
| d |
School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100 Thailand |
| e |
Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Kunming 650201 China |
| f |
Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495 Saudi Arabia |
| g |
Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University,
Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand |
| h |
Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok 10300 Thailand |
* Corresponding author, E-mail: kdhyde3@gmail.com, scboi009@gmail.com
Received 18 Nov 2024, Accepted 0 0000
|
