Monitoring on species diversity of macrofungi in Khek watershed, Phetchabun Province

A study on monitoring species diversity of macrofungi was conducted in the Khek watershed, Phetchabun Province from 2002 to 2004. Permanent plots were used to determine species diversity, compositionand changing of macrofungi. The results of this study indicate the occurrence of 119 species from 76 genera and 33 families. Species were classified into the Phylum Ascomycota (12 species and 8 genera) and the Phylum Basidiomycota (107 species and 68 genera). The most common families were Polyporaceae, Stereaceae andHymenochaetaceae. The most common genera were Xylaria, Microporus, Trametes, Hymenochaete and Stereum. The species Microporus xanthopus was found in almost every forest type the year-round, and occurred on soil most frequently (35 species, 30%). Species diversity and species indices were greatest during the 2003 rain season in evergreen and secondary forests. Species diversity and species index between plant community were not significantly different (Kruskal-Wallis test; X2 = 5.394, P = 0.249 and X2 = 9.158, P = 0.057). In addition, this research suggested that some species were edible and potentially served as medicines. Consequently, effective policies and conservation plans should be soon enough established for sustainable use of macrofungi in this watershed area