UPM Pulp Matters 1/2023

NEWS

Diverse forests thrive off decayed wood UPM is supporting a study by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) and the University of Helsinki to explore a novel way to boost populations of wood-decaying fungi. Increasing rare fungi will create new habitats for species living on decaying wood, and thus promote forest biodiversity. UPM aims to increase awareness of biodiversity and this unique study by launching a campaign where tiny billboards call the smallest creatures of the forest to settle down in an environment where biodiversity is enhanced. “We have planted mycelia of endangered species of wood-decaying fungi, such as Antrodia piceata or Perenniporia tenuis, on small wooden pegs. The pegs are then inserted into holes drilled in specific trees, some recently felled, and others naturally fallen. We monitor these trees to see if the mycelia manage to grow and spread, eventually producing fruit bodies and spores themselves,” explains Reijo Penttilä , a researcher from Luke who is in charge of the project. The Luke-led study is one of the first of its kind and examines transplantation to boost populations of wood

With the campaign UPM wants to show that even the small things can have an impact in the fight against global biodiversity loss. “Roughly a quarter of species in Finnish forests depend on decaying wood. Therefore, one of the most purposeful actions on our Forest Action Programme’s biodiversity action plan is to double the amount of decaying wood in our own forests in Finland,” says Sami Oksa , Director, Global Forest Affairs. UPM has offered its forests in Janakkala, Finland, for the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) and the University of Helsinki, to put this unique study in action.

decaying fungi. A pilot experiment, concluded in 2016 in the University of Helsinki, showed promising signs of the method’s viability. “Seven years after transplantation, three of the seven species planted had already produced fruit bodies, indicating that the method could promote further spread,” Penttilä says. “The study we’re conducting now is much more extensive, it’s the broadest of its kind in the world. We expect to see initial results later this year.”

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PUL P MAT TERS 01/2023