Alien fungi in Lithuania: list of species, current status and trophic structure

Abstract

Abstract A comprehensive inventory of alien fungi (excluding fungi-like oomycetes) recorded in Lithuania since the 19th century was performed. The compiled list includes 142 fungal species, the major part of which are plant pathogens (125 species), while mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi (eight and nine species, respectively) are much less represented. The distribution within country and current status of non-native fungi were assessed. Large part of alien fungus species (58) are considered as established, three species (Auricularia auricula-judae, Aureoboletus projectellus, Lecanosticta acicola) are currently spreading, three species (Serpula lacrymans, Synchytrium endobioticum, Tilletia caries) are decreasing, one (Laricifomes officinalis) is considered to be extinct, five saprotrophic species are ephemeromycetes with few records almost exceptionally indoors and not surviving in outside conditions. Status of more than half of the listed species (73) is categorized as unknown as their records are few, suitable habitats and/or hosts are uncommon. The peak of alien fungus recording in Lithuania was in 1980–2000, apparently reflecting an increased frequency of international carriages and the highest peak of national mycological activities. Based on climate change scenarios for Lithuania, further increase of the numbers of alien species is being forecasted.