Mycobiota on Robinia pseudoacacia in East-Central Europe: Diversity, Ecological Roles, and Potential Links to Climate Change

The long history and widespread occurrence of Robinia pseudoacacia L. in Europe are increasingly associated with numerous fungal species, including pathogens. Based on literature review data from East-Central Europe (Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, western Ukraine, and northern Germany), 137 fungal taxa were identified on this tree species, including 50 Ascomycota and 87 Basidiomycota. Bearing in mind the varied history of mycological research in the analysed countries, the highest number of taxa was recorded in Poland (108), followed by northern Germany (34) and western Ukraine (24), while Belarus (6) and Lithuania (4) provided the fewest records. Saprotrophic fungi dominated (57%), whereas obligate and facultative parasites accounted for 43%. Among the identified fungi, 71 species caused white rot, and three caused brown rot. The most represented genera were Coprinellus, Crepidotus, and Fusarium. The results of the literature review indicate that R. pseudoacacia serves as an important host and substrate for many fungal species. We hypothesise that this may be influenced, among others, by increased trade, changes in land use, climate change (shifts in the distribution of the tree and individual fungi) and the native fungi’s ability to colonise a new host. In the context of further climate change and the increasing importance of this invasive tree in Europe, fungal pathogens may significantly affect the sustainability of its stands. The greatest threats include root pathogens of the genus Armillaria, wood-decaying fungi such as Fomitiporia robusta and Laetiporus sulphureus, powdery mildews (Erysiphe spp.), and fungi of the genus Fusarium. On the other hand, R. pseudoacacia may have a positive impact on biodiversity in the environment, providing a habitat or substrate for at least 30 threatened fungal species.