Fungal succession in the early decomposition process of pine cones on the floor of Pinus densiflora forests

The fungal succession on pine cones on the floor of Pinus densiflora forest was investigated in the early decomposition process (within ca. 30% decrease in dry weight). The fungal flora was examined by both washing and surface-sterilization methods on artificially placed cones and naturally fallen cones. The decomposition rates of artificially placed cones were 0.081–0.082 yr–1. On withered cones still attached to the tree, Pestalotiopsis spp. were dominant. These fungi also occurred with higher frequencies after cones had lain on the floor and on cones in the L and FH horizons. Xylaria sp. and Phomopsis sp., which seem to colonize the interior of the tissue, occurred with higher frequencies on the cones on the tree, but their occurrence frequencies decreased after cones had lain on the forest floor. Conversely, Mortiereila spp. and Trichoderma spp. newly occurred or their occurrence frequencies increased on lying cones. Of these, Trichoderma koningii increased rapidly and showed high occurrence frequencies. Thysanophora penicillioides, which prefers coniferous substrates, showed higher occurrence frequencies in the early stages of lying on the forest floor. On cones lying on the floor, the fungai flora did not significantly change during the investigation period.