Scotland's rare tooth fungi: - Plantlife

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© Liz HoldenManagement guidelinesIf you are in woodland with suitable host treesand poor sandy soils it is possible that youeither already have tooth fungi, or if they donot appear to be present, that you couldencourage their presence through appropriatemanagement. Current research (Van der Linde,2008) suggests that the mycelium of toothfungi can be successfully transferred to newsites on the inoculated roots of seedling trees.This work is at an early stage but may be afuture consideration.General guidelines in areas where tooth fungiare known to fruit:● The exact ecological requirements ofthese fungi are not yet fully understood, sogreat care should be taken when changingthe management of sites known tosupport tooth fungi.● Ensure contractors and land managers areaware of the presence of tooth fungi.●●●●●Get to know species specialists and localfungus recording groups who may be able tohelp inform site management and provideregular and relevant advice including how tomonitor any management interventions.In the vicinity of known fruit bodies, maintain awide age structure of trees to increase thelikelihood of continuity of host trees.The exactstocking densities to enable the inoculation ofneighbouring young trees with fungal myceliumhave not been determined in this habitat butwill relate to the extent of the host tree’s ownroot system. Opening up the canopy beyond1.5 times the radius of the canopy is notrecommended close to the known areacolonised by tooth fungi. It can be difficult toascertain which trees are actually hosting thetarget mycelium; the further development ofmolecular tools will assist with this process inthe future. Meanwhile the maintenance of asustainable buffer zone (a minimum of 50m issuggested) of potential host trees aroundknown fruiting sites is recommended toensure host continuity.Extended rotations, continuous coverforestry and small coupe felling are morelikely to sustain tooth fungi populations thanclear fell.When carefully applied these formsof management can benefit tooth fungi byincreasing the longevity of the woodland site,maintaining continuity of hosts (selectivethinning can be used to reduce the likelihoodof felling host trees) and maintainingappropriate environmental conditions suchas humidity.Increase woodland size where possible byextending existing woodlands andincorporating existing woodland fragments.Further research is required to determinewhich areas of the forest are likely to bemost suitable for the mycelia of these fungi.10
BACK FROM THE BRINK MANAGEMENT SERIES●●●●●●●It is not yet possible to offer specificmanagement recommendations to favourthe development of these species in thewider forest.Where natural regeneration is notpossible then restocking should be withnative host species.Minimise heavy disturbance andcompaction from vehicle access or foottraffic. Ploughing and scarification shouldbe avoided in areas where tooth fungi areknown to be fruiting or where there is aplan to encourage the presence of toothfungi. Even light disturbance should beavoided during the fruiting season.Maintain areas around fruiting tooth fungifree from the development of humus anddense vascular plant cover. Verge cuttingwith a bar can be appropriate as long asthe dead plant material does notaccumulate to enrich the soil.The effect ofherbicides on tooth fungi is unknown.At sites threatened by, for example,Rhododendron ponticum or Snowberry(Symphoricarpus albus) take measures tocontrol, contain or eradicate invasive nonnativeplant species using ForestryCommission guidelines on suitabletechniques. Bracken, particularly inriverside locations, can be difficult toaccess by machinery but could be mownor managed by volunteers.Avoid the use of fungicides, lime or theapplication or accidental run off of anynitrogen or phosphorus rich substance inor adjacent to target areas.Monitor the effects of managementinterventions.Remember that it is possible to managefor a range of conservation interests bycreating a mosaic of habitats.Maintenance of paths, roads and car parks inareas known to support tooth fungi:● Aim for minimal interference with theestablished soil profile e.g. avoid excavationto create foundations or deep layers ofnew surfacing material to level the paths.● Endeavour to retain existing path widthsand edges where tooth fungi are knownto fruit● New construction materials should belocally sourced if possible and mineral inorigin.Wood chips would not beappropriate.● A few carefully sited borrow pits, awayfrom the locations of the rarest toothfungi, could provide additional suitablehabitat for these species to fruit in. Forthis purpose and where appropriate, it isrecommended that topsoil is not replaced.Excess topsoil should be placed severalmetres into the woodland and away fromtooth fungus fruiting sites.● Path drainage should be established withcare and in consultation with speciesspecialists.The maintenance of ditches andbanks can be beneficial in somecircumstances.● Material derived from any clearance oftrees should be piled up several metres intothe surrounding woodland if staying on site.● Minimise disturbance and compactionfrom machinery involved in the project, orthe storage of materials.● It is important to maintain the host treesbut it may also be important to have aclear margin between the path edge andthe trees, if that does not compromisehumidity levels.11
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Scotland's rare tooth fungi: - Plantlife

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