The fungarium is a scientific collection dedicated to the preservation of dried fungal specimens. It was established and is managed by ISPRA at its facility in Ozzano dell’Emilia (BO). It serves as a national reference infrastructure for the conservation, documentation, and study of fungal diversity in Italy.

The fungarium is officially registered in the Index Herbariorum with the code IFI, and it is an integral part of the activities of the Network for the Study of Mycological Diversity.

Each contributor registered with the Network can send fungal specimens to the fungarium. Requests must be submitted through the SIF6.1 platform at the time of survey submission and require prior approval. Once approved, the contributor receives shipping instructions via email. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the contributor.

All specimens received are also sampled for the preservation of a fragment in alcohol within the ISPRA biobank, creating a reference collection for potential future biomolecular studies.

In addition to preservation, only some specimens may be selected for genetic analysis carried out by researchers from ISPRA’s Conservation Genetics Unit. This possibility depends on the operational availability of the laboratory and on compliance with at least one of the following criteria:

• Species new to science (holotypes, isotypes, paratypes);
• Rare or threatened species listed in national or international Red Lists;
• Species that are difficult to identify using only morphological criteria;
• Species collected in unusual or ecologically significant environments.

Each genetic analysis request must be accompanied by a signed copy of the updated Code of Ethics.

Operational Rules

The following rules apply to the submission and management of specimens:

• • Each contributor may submit a request for genetic analysis for up to 5 specimens per year, provided the request is well-justified and aligns with the established criteria. Approval is also subject to the operational availability of the Conservation Genetics Unit;
  • All approved specimens must arrive at the fungarium within three months from the approval date;
  • Genetic results are sent to contributors via email. Contributors have 30 days to submit comments or observations. If no feedback is received within this period, the result is considered final;
  • Genetic results are published in the Fungal Information System (SIF). The classification refers to the type of outcome obtained from the genetic analysis:
    • Match: the result corresponds to the identification proposed by the contributor.
    • Mismatch: the result differs from the contributor’s proposed identification.
    • Undetermined species: the genetic analysis did not yield a clear or reliably interpretable result.

Temporary Suspension of Genetic Analysis Requests (May–December 2025)

Between May and December 2025, new genetic analysis requests cannot be approved. During this period, all efforts are dedicated to processing specimens already received or previously authorized. Contributors may still send specimens for preservation following the standard procedure.

Data Access and Loans

Information on preserved and analysed specimens is available through the Fungal Information System (SIF). ISPRA ensures the quality, traceability, and accessibility of these data.

It is also possible to request a loan of a preserved specimen by writing to: ndm@isprambiente.it

The complete list and detailed information about the samples can be consulted through the Sistema Informativo Funghi (SIF): Access the SIF

Samples stored at the fungarium as of 01/08/2025