Interactions between saprotrophic basidiomycetes and bacteria

Bacteria play an important role in the functioning of lignocellulose-degrading basidiomycetes. They can have a negative effect on fungal growth and activity as they are potential competitors for low-molecular weight compounds released by extracellular fungal enzymes. There are also some indications of bacterial mycophagy. On the other hand, basidiomycetes may benefit from the presence of bacteria, in particular with respect to nitrogen supply and detoxification of mycotoxic compounds. During degradation of wood by basidiomycetes, the environmental conditions become very selective for bacteria because of rapid and strong acidification, production of reactive oxygen species and the presence of toxic fungal secondary metabolites. The bacteria that survive these conditions must have special properties, but research on this is still in its infancy. A better knowledge of the interactions between saprotrophic basidiomycetes and bacteria is not only important from a basic scientific point of view, but will also open up possibilities for new applications in wood conservation and the discovery of metabolites with medical therapeutic value. British Mycological Society Symposia Series r 2008 The British Mycological Society Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.