Coinvasion of Lactarius torminosus and silver birch as an example of an uncommon pattern of plant-fungus introduction

Abstract

In this study the first record of Northern Hemisphere fungus, Lactarius torminosus (Russulales, Basidiomycota) is presented from New Zealand. The identification of collected specimens was confirmed based on macro- and micromorphological observations. Additionally, the biogeography of the fungus is also descried, based on sporocarp records. Species distribution modeling implemented in MaxEnt was used to evaluation the range of the ecological niche of L. torminosus in New Zealand and Australia. The obtained model showed, that climatic variables and distribution of a silver birch are the most decisive factors influencing the occurrence of the fungus. However obtained results emphasize the role of edaphic conditions and human vector in the expansion of foreign fungi in invasion range.