Wood Decays, Root Rots, and Stand Composition Along an Elevation Gradient

Abstract
We examined 74 randomly selected stands of mixed conifers for wood decaying fungi in northern Idaho during 1974 and 1975. Stands were ordinated two-dimensionally based on the presence of all vascular plants. The ensuing ordination approximated an elevation gradient. An agglomerative cluster analysis was used to classify stands into discrete units based on the presence of coniferous trees. The wood decaying fungi identified were Armillariella mellea, Echinodontium tinctorium, Phellinus pini, Phaeolus schweinitzii, Polyporus sericeomollis, Inonotus tomentosus, Perenniporia subacida, and Phellinus weirii. Fungi distributions and stand composition changed with increasing elevation. Armillariella mellea and Echinodontium tinctorium were found throughout the sample area although the latter occurred more frequently in stands dominated by grand fir (Abies grandis). Phaeolus schweinitzii, Inonotus tomentosus, and Perenniporia subacida were encountered more often in stands above 1500 m, while Polyporus sericeomollis and Phellinus weirii were restricted to stands below 1500 m and were primarily found on western redcedar (Thuja plicata). Forest Sci. 25:31-42.