ATBC 2008 - Brearley
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Symposium
Fungi in Tropical Forests and their Role in Maintaining Species Diversity
Organisers: Francis Brearley (f.q.brearley -at- mmu.ac.uk) and Cathie Aime (cathie -at- nt.ars-grin.gov)
Of the three main roles played by fungi in ecosystems: decomposition, disease agents and mutualistic relationships (e.g. mycorrhiza), the last two have a potential role in maintaining tree species diversity in tropical forests. Fungal disease can play an important role through its effect on distance- and density-dependent mortality, which may promote species diversity. Mycorrhizas can impact on the regeneration niche and promote seedling survival in the forest understorey. In this symposium we will focus on current research on both of these topics with a view to comparing patterns on the three main tropical continents.
