Italian mycologists together for the conservation of fungi and the environment.

Although the important role of the Regnum Fungi in all niches of the ecosystems, in biotechnology and, last but not least, in diseases, these organisms are generally neglected in most conservation action plans at global level. An overview of mycological activities carried out in the past and underway is reported, understandably focusing on the work contributed by Italian scientists. It shows a great, well-known tradition, particularly concerning taxonomy and systematics, but numerous activities of recent past concerning conservation of fungi and the environment are fragmented and often overseen. A new national network of mycologists has been established combining various experiences and covering a wide range of initiatives and identifying investigations and steps that must be performed. In this context, some contributions of Italian researchers concerning larger fungi to various national initiatives for the Biodiversity Assessment and Strategy are discussed, while other action plans on ex situ and in situ conservation and biotechnology can be found in a special issue of the Journal of the Italian Botanical Society, Plant Biosystems.