Ectomycorrhizal fungi of genus russula from alédjo wild life reserve in Togo

Background: The role of ectomycorrhizal fungi in tropical forest ecosystems is not to be overlooked. They promote plant growth and protect their roots from pathogens. Some species are commonly used by local populations in the diet and treatment of certain chronic diseases. To better assess the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi in Togo, a study was undertaken in the Alédjo Wildlife Reserve. The objective of this study is to contribute to a better knowledge of ectomycorrhizal fungi of the genus Russula from Alédjo Wildlife Reserve. Methods: For this purpose, fruit bodies were collected between 2016 and 2020 in the Alédjo Wildlife Reserve in 50m x 10m squares along 1000 m2 transects established parallel in nine (9) different vegetations through woodlands and gallery forests. Results: Mycological surveys resulted in the collection of 54 taxa of the genus Russula. Analysis of the collected specimens was done according to morpho-anatomical characters. All the specimens identified belong to seven (7) sections, twenty-one (21) subsections and thirty-two (32) speciesof the genus Russula, including seven (7) new species for Togo. Conclusion: This study showed that the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi in general and that of the genus Russula in particular is very high in Alédjo Wildlife Reserve.