Roy E. Halling Curator of Mycology, Institute of Systematic Botany Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst (1980) "The genus Collybia in New England" Expertise: Fungi (Mushrooms and related fungi)

Profile

Major research emphasis has been on the classification, systematics, biogeography, and diversity of mushrooms. Mushrooms are important in the world's ecosystems as primary decomposers, litter binders, and nutrient recyclers. In addition, they form obligate and necessary root symbioses with forest trees to maintain ecosystem health and integrity. Explorations and cataloging of fungal diversity have required field work around the world in northern and southern temperate zones as well as the neo- and paleotropics. Continuing field efforts in these areas have added substantially to general investigations on tropical and temperate fungi. Critical laboratory analyses are coupled with the field work. Currently, investigations are emphasizing the taxonomy, phylogeny, mycorrhizal relationships, and biogeography of the Boletineae (a suborder of porcini mushrooms). International collaboration with other specialists is underway on systematics, biogeography and phylogeny of Bolete mushrooms with particular emphasis in Australia and SE Asia.

Selected Publications