ABSTRACT
Macrofungi are an evolutionarily and ecologically important segment of the fungal kingdom existing independently as well as in mutualistic association with plants and animals. They play prime ecological roles in the degradation of lignocellulosic materials, nutrient transport and biogeochemical cycles in varied ecosystems. Macrofungi prefer a variety of substrates and their enzymes are responsible for nutrient cycling. Mutualistic association (ectomycorrhizae) with roots, support many tree species to derive nutrients from the soil. Many macrofungi also have a mutualistic association with fauna to provide nutrition, in turn, disseminate their propagules to new habitats and facilitate genetic exchange or recombination. Even though some macrofungi are animal parasites, they will be benefited by dispersal through their hosts to new niches. In spite of several macrofungi being pathogenic to many tree species, they are involved in nutrient cycling. Several macrofungi are capable of bioremediation of pollutants and xenobiotics by their powerful enzymes. Macrofungi succumb to habitat loss, various natural disturbances and human interference, which affects their normal ecological functions and services. With valuable ecosystem services, macrofungal resources deserve conservation to maximize their benefits to plants, animals and ecosystems.
