Primary Resources in Microbiology 50s

Tree species and microhabitat influence the population structure of the epiphytic lichen Lobaria pulmonaria [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: December 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 18
Author(s): Marta Rubio-Salcedo, Sonia Merinero, Isabel Martínez
Detailed knowledge of the habitat requirements of species is required because habitat greatly affects the persistence of species. We investigated the effects of tree species and microhabitat heterogeneity on the population of the locally threatened lichen Lobaria pulmonaria . We studied four L. pulmonaria populations in Central Spain and collected microhabitat data for individuals growing on beech and oak. The microhabitat affected the life stages of L. pulmonaria ; being a phorophyte species the location of the lichen was the most important factor generating different patterns of establishment, abundance, thallus size and reproductive capacity. Although oak forests favoured the establishment and recruitment of new L. pulmonaria individuals, they apparently provided adverse environmental conditions for lichen growth, thus affecting the reproductive capacity since this is size-dependent. By contrast, beech forests offered a more favourable microclimate, because L. pulmonaria individuals reached larger sizes in these forests. In conclusion, our results indicate that habitats hosting large populations, with high rates of establishment and recruitment do not necessarily favour other life-cycle stages.

Somatic incompatibility and genetic structure of fungal crops in sympatric Atta colombica and Acromyrmex echinatior leaf-cutting ants [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: December 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 18
Author(s): Pepijn W. Kooij, Michael Poulsen, Morten Schiøtt, Jacobus J. Boomsma
Obligate mutualistic symbioses rely on mechanisms that secure host-symbiont commitments to maximize host benefits and prevent symbiont cheating. Previous studies showed that somatic incompatibilities correlate with neutral-marker-based genetic distances between fungal symbionts of Panamanian Acromyrmex leaf-cutting ants, but the extent to which this relationship applies more generally remained unclear. Here we showed that genetic distances accurately predicted somatic incompatibility for Acromyrmex echinatior symbionts irrespective of whether neutral microsatellites or AFLP markers were used, but that such correlations were weaker or absent in sympatric Atta colombica colonies. Further analysis showed that the symbiont clades maintained by A. echinatior and A. colombica were likely to represent separate gene pools, so that neutral markers were unlikely to be similarly correlated with incompatibility loci that have experienced different selection regimes. We suggest that evolutionarily derived claustral colony founding by Atta queens may have removed selection for strong incompatibility in Atta fungi, as this condition makes the likelihood of symbiont swaps much lower than in Acromyrmex , where incipient nests stay open because queens have to forage until the first workers emerge.

Removal of secondary compounds increases invertebrate abundance in lichens [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: December 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 18
Author(s): Johan Asplund, Stef Bokhorst, Paul Kardol, David A. Wardle
We investigated how lichen carbon-based secondary compounds (CBSCs) affect abundance of invertebrates in five lichen species growing on the forest floor ( Cladonia rangiferina , Cladonia stellaris ) or on tree trunks ( Evernia prunastri, Hypogymnia physodes, Pseudevernia furfuracea ). To do this, CBSCs were removed by rinsing lichen thalli in acetone (which has no adverse effects on the lichens) and the lichens were re-transplanted in their natural habitat. After 4 months there was higher abundance of mites, springtails and spiders in the three epiphytic lichens that had their CBSC concentrations reduced. The increase in predatory spiders following CBSC reduction suggests that the compounds have multitrophic consequences. The acetone treatment reduced the number of nematodes in four of the lichen species. Given that lichens serve as important habitats for a diverse range of invertebrates, increased knowledge of how lichen CBSCs may regulate their abundance helps us to better understand the role that lichens and their defence compounds play in structuring forest food webs.

Morphology influences water storage in hair lichens from boreal forest canopies [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: December 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 18
Author(s): Per-Anders Esseen, Therese Olsson, Darwyn Coxson, Yngvar Gauslaa
Hair lichens ( Alectoria , Bryoria, Usnea ) with high surface-area-to-mass ratios rapidly trap moisture. By photography and scanning we examined how internal water storage depended on morphological traits in five species. Specific thallus mass (STM, mg DM cm⁻²) and water holding capacity (WHC, mg H 2 O cm⁻²) after shaking and blotting a fully hydrated thallus increased with thallus area. STM was ≈50% higher in Alectoria and Usnea thalli than in Bryoria . WHC was highest in Alectoria while percent water content of freshly blotted thalli was lowest in Usnea . Thallus area overlap ratio (TAO), assessing branch density of the thallus, was highest in the two thinnest Bryoria ; lower in the thicker Usnea . Within species, hair lichens increased their water storage by increasing branch density rather than branch diameter. The taxonomically related genera Alectoria and Bryoria shared water storage characteristics, and differed from Usnea . Hair lichens in lower canopies have among the lowest water storage capacity reported in lichens.

Ectomycorrhizal fungal communities in Nothofagus nervosa (Raulí): A comparison between domesticated and naturally established specimens in a native forest of Patagonia, Argentina [Fungal Ecologyí): A comparison between domesticated and naturally established specimens in a native forest of Patagonia, Argentina]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: December 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 18
Author(s): Natalia V. Fernández, Paula Marchelli, Felicia Gherghel, Gerhard Kost, Sonia B. Fontenla
Due to its overexploitation during the past century, Nothofagus nervosa is currently included in conservation and domestication programs, in which ectomycorrhizas play an important role. We aimed to describe the abundance and diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EcMF) in both domesticated and naturally established N. nervosa specimens, and to analyse the influence of age, seasonality and forest management on EcMF communities. The occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) and dark septate endophytes (DSE) was also investigated. Fungal diversity and taxonomic identification were assessed by morphotyping and subsequent ITS-rDNA sequencing. Plant age, seasonality and forest management influenced EcMF communities. Colonization rates were higher than 90 % in all the specimens, and were significantly higher in mature trees and in autumn. The highest EcMF richness and diversity values were registered in domesticated specimens and in autumn. Most EcMF were basidiomycetes, belonging mainly to the Cortinariaceae and Tricholomataceae. Arbuscular mycorrhizas were not detected, while DSE were present within N. nervosa roots. Our results and previously published reports showed that some EcMF are capable of colonizing different Nothofagus species. In addition, the EcMF described in natural ecosystems are different from those colonizing N. nervosa during its cultivation in the nursery. These results improve our understanding of key factors affecting EcMF communities associated with Nothofagus in native forests and nurseries (age, season, forest management, cultivation techniques), and this information is relevant for improving domestication programs.

Habitat models of wood-inhabiting fungi along a decay gradient of Norway spruce logs [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: December 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 18
Author(s): Tiina Rajala, Tero Tuomivirta, Taina Pennanen, Raisa Mäkipää
Information on the habitat requirements of wood-inhabiting fungi is needed to understand the factors that affect their diversity. We applied culture-free DNA extraction and 454-pyrosequencing to study the mycobiota of decaying Norway spruce ( Picea abies ) logs in five unmanaged boreal forests. Fungal habitat preferences in respect of wood density gradient were then estimated with generalized additive mixed models. Fungal diversity and wood density were inversely related, i.e., OTU richness generally increased as the log became increasingly decomposed. White-rot fungi (e.g., Phellinus nigrolimitatus ) and members of Hyphodontia did not show a clear response to the wood-density gradient, whereas abundance of Phellinus viticola and brown-rot fungi (e.g., Fomitopsis pinicola , Antrodia serialis , Coniophora olivaceae ) peaked during intermediate decay and mycorrhizal fungi (e.g., Piloderma , Tylospora , Russula ) increased in the later stages. This information on fungal habitat requirements facilitates the development of management practices that preserve fungal diversity in managed forests.

An analysis of local wind and air mass directions and their impact on Cladosporium distribution using HYSPLIT and circular statistics [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: December 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 18
Author(s): Magdalena Sadyś, Roy Kennedy, Carsten Ambelas Skjøth
Ecological studies that examine species-environment relationships are often limited to several meteorological parameters, i.e. mean air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, vapour pressure deficit and solar radiation. The impact of local wind, its speed and direction are less commonly investigated in aerobiological surveys mainly due to difficulties related to the employment of specific analytical tools and interpretation of their outputs. Identification of inoculum sources of economically important plant pathogens, as well as highly allergenic bioaerosols like Cladosporium species, has not been yet explored with remote sensing data and atmospheric models such as Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT). We, therefore, performed an analysis of 24 h intra-diurnal cycle of Cladosporium spp. spores from an urban site in connection with both the local wind direction and overall air mass direction computed by HYSPLIT. The observational method was a volumetric air sampler of the Hirst design with 1 h time resolution and corresponding optical detection of fungal spores with light microscopy. The atmospheric modelling was done using the on-line data set from GDAS with 1° resolution and circular statistical methods. Our results showed stronger, statistically significant correlation ( p ≤ 0.05) between high Cladosporium spp. spore concentration and air mass direction compared to the local wind direction. This suggested that a large fraction of the investigated fungal spores had a regional origin and must be located more than a few kilometers away from the sampling point.

Molecular analysis of the fungal microbiome associated with the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: December 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 18
Author(s): Antonino Malacrinò, Leonardo Schena, Orlando Campolo, Francesca Laudani, Vincenzo Palmeri
A molecular approach was used to investigate the fungal microbiome associated with Bactrocera oleae a major key pest of Olea europea , using the ITS2 region of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) as barcode gene. Amplicons were cloned and a representative number of sequenced fragments were used as barcode genes for the identification of fungi. The analysis of the detected sequence types (STs) enabled the identification of a total of 34 phylotypes which were associated with 10 fungal species, 3 species complexes and 8 genera. Three phylotypes remained unresolved within the order Saccharomycetales and the phylum Ascomycota because of the lack of closely related sequences in GenBank. Cladosporium was the most abundantly detected genus, followed by Alternaria and Aureobasidium , well-known components of olive sooty moulds. Interestingly, Colletotrichum sp. and other fungal plant pathogens were also detected, leading to potential new insights into heir epidemiology.

Communities of wood-inhabiting fungi in dead pine logs along a geographical gradient in Japan [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: December 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 18
Author(s): Yu Fukasawa, Shunsuke Matsuoka
Fungi are the main agents of coarse woody debris decomposition in forest ecosystems. We examined the associations of environmental variables with fungal community structures in dead pine logs at 12 geographically distant sites using amplicon pyrosequencing of fungal ITS rDNA. A total of 575 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified based on clustering at 97% similarity. Among the known fungal ecological groups, saprotrophic fungi generally showed highest frequency of occurrence and were positively associated with mean annual temperature (MAT) and log diameter. Wood decay fungi with unknown decay type were positively associated with pine wilt disease and negatively associated with log diameter. Ordination analysis of the 42 most prevalent OTUs showed that MAT and annual precipitation significantly explained the observed fungal community structure. These results suggested that climate conditions and site history differentially effect structure fungal communities in pine logs among different ecological groups.

Editorial board [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17

Dynamics of competition and co-infection between Zoophthora radicans and Pandora blunckii in Plutella xylostella larvae [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): José A. Sandoval-Aguilar, Ariel W. Guzmán-Franco, Judith K. Pell, Suzanne J. Clark, Raquel Alatorre-Rosas, Ma. Teresa Santillán-Galicia, Guadalupe Valdovinos-Ponce
Co-inoculation of Zoophthora radicans and Pandora blunckii in Plutella xylostella larvae were investigated. Co-inoculations were made simultaneously or within 4, 8 or 12 hr of each other to achieve different prior residency times; order of inoculation was alternated. The most larvae infected by a particular species occurred when that species was inoculated alone. In co-inoculations, the majority of larvae were infected by only one species; both isolates of Z. radicans always infected more larvae than P. blunckii when they were inoculated last, regardless of prior residency time, while this was only the case for one of the P. blunckii isolates. The proportion of co-infected larvae never exceeded 20 %, and only occurred when both species were inoculated simultaneously or when the prior residency time was 8 hr or less, regardless of the order of inoculation. Prior residency time and order of inoculation affect the likelihood of competing species surviving during co-inoculation.

The co-existence between DSE and AMF symbionts affects plant P pools through P mineralization and solubilization processes [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): I.F. Della Monica, Mario C.N. Saparrat, Alicia M. Godeas, J. Martín Scervino
The capacity of dark septate endophytes (DSE; Phialocephala turiciensis, Acephala applanata, P. glacialis and Phaeomollisia piceae ) to solubilize inorganic phosphate (P) and to mineralize the organic form was studied. We analysed the effect of DSE strains on P uptake by Trifolium repens in the presence or absence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Phosphatases were observed both in the absence of the host plant and the organic resource, showing that the P mineralization process is not induced by the enzyme substrate or the host. DSE were more efficient at mineralizing organic P. Independently of the presence of AMF, DSE increased the pool of P in the soil, with significant differences being found in P levels among the different DSE. In contrast, plant P uptake was increased by AMF. The P content of plants increased with the co-inoculation of AMF and P. turiciensis or P. piceae . We hypothesize a close relationship between DSE and AMF in relation to P availability and uptake in plants. Whereas DSE increase the pool of P in the rhizosphere, AMF are responsible for P transfer to the host, with co-colonization of plants by DSE and AMF showing a synergistic outcome.

Wild trees in the Amazon basin harbor a great diversity of beneficial endosymbiotic fungi: is this evidence of protective mutualism? [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Romina Gazis, Priscila Chaverri
It has been shown that the disappearance of, or drastic changes in, ancestral and indigenous (or native) endosymbiotic microbiota can lead to many adverse health consequences. However, the effects of changes in beneficial endosymbionts in plants are poorly known (except for mycorrhizal and rhizobial associations). We sampled and compared endophytes from hundreds of trees belonging to the economically important genus Hevea , the source of natural rubber, in their native range in the Amazon basin and in plantations. We also conducted antagonism tests to determine the potential effects that some of these endophytes may have on selected plant pathogenic fungi. The natural and indigenous endosymbiotic mycota of the rubber tree ( Hevea ) contains a high diversity of beneficial fungi that may protect against pathogens (protective mutualism). In contrast, plantation trees have a reduced and different diversity of these beneficial fungi. We propose that abundance, and not just presence, of competitive fungal strains and species (i.e., Trichoderma and Tolypocladium ) create a protective effect against pathogens in wild trees. This study provides support for the importance of mutualistic endosymbionts in plant health and ecosystem resilience, and calls for awareness of their potential loss by human-related activities.

Species richness and vertical stratification of epiphytic lichens in subtropical primary and secondary forests in southwest China [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Su Li, Wen-Yao Liu, Da-Wen Li, Liang Song, Xian-Meng Shi, Hua-Zheng Lu
An entire-tree investigation was conducted in two primary and three secondary forest types in the subtropical Ailao Mountains of southwest China to determine whether species richness and vertical stratification of epiphytic lichens responded to forest type and host attributes. Lichen species number, composition and cover differed significantly among forest types and tree species, while tree diameter and tree height had a modest influence. Epiphytic lichen species and functional groups showed clear vertical stratification. Epiphytic lichens were richer in canopies than on trunks and exhibited a great preference for the intermediate zones of trees, while five lichen groups showed distinct vertical diversification. The stratification patterns are clearly related to forest type and may reflect the microclimatic requirements of individual species, e.g. light availability and humidity.

Fungal endophyte diversity in tundra grasses increases by grazing [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Kari Anne Bråthen, Xhevahire Jahiri, Juan Germán Herranz Jusdado, Eeva Marjatta Soininen, John Beck Jensen
Fungal endophytes are species rich and ubiquitous, yet, apart from the genus Epichloë , their ecology is largely unknown. Here we explore how herbivores affect the diversity of fungal endophytes in tundra grasslands. We assess both hyphal morphological and taxonomic diversity in grass individuals. By microscopic examination we identified endophytes to be present in all sampled grass individuals whereas identification to taxonomic units were only achieved in a subset of the individuals using laser micro dissection pressure catapulting and culturing for endophyte isolation. Hyphal morphological diversity was significantly higher in grasses exposed to grazing, along with 45 % more taxonomic units achieved. Our results suggest that grazing is an important mediator of fungal endophyte diversity in tundra grasslands. Furthermore, we suggest laser dissection of stained endophytes as a method for further exploring the ecological role of fungal endophytes.

Pathogenic interaction between Escovopsis weberi and Leucoagaricus sp.: mechanisms involved and virulence levels [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Jorge Ariel Marfetán, Andrea I. Romero, Patricia J. Folgarait
Attini are the only ants that use fresh plant material to cultivate species of Leucoagaricus , which are their source of nutrition. Escovopsis species are specialized mycoparasites of Leucoagaricus sp. and Escovopsis parasitism has a negative impact on the health of the ants' colonies. The goals of this work were: to test if the virulence of different isolates of Escovopsis weberi were the same across Leucoagaricus sp. and to analyze if structural mechanisms were related to variation in the virulence of E. weberi isolates. All E. weberi isolates were able to parasitize isolates of Leucoagaricus spp. but with striking differences in virulence, and it was shown that the contact between hyphae of both fungi was the main process that generates the degradation of Leucoagaricus isolates. Additionally, the two most virulent isolates produced hook-like protuberances, increasing the damage caused to its target. Finally, E. weberi was re-classified as a destructive biotrophic parasite.

Temperature effects on growth of fungal symbionts of the western pine beetle, Dendroctonus brevicomis [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Joseph C. Dysthe, Ryan Bracewell, Diana L. Six
Differences in temperature ranges and optima among poikilothermic partners in symbioses can have profound effects on their interactions and stability. In this study, we investigated how the two mutualist mycangial fungi ( Ceratocystiopsis brevicomi and Entomocorticium sp. B) associated with the western pine beetle, Dendroctonus brevicomis , respond to temperature in vitro . Little variability in growth rate at the various temperatures tested occurred among isolates of C. brevicomi either within or among sites. In contrast, E. sp. B exhibited highly variable responses to mid-range temperatures among sites and within some sites, and, unlike C. brevicomi , grew not at all or only very poorly at the highest and lowest temperatures tested. This variability affected both optimal temperature and maximum growth rate. The high variability in response to some temperatures among isolates of E . sp. B in some populations indicates that the ability to capture spatial and nutritional resources can vary greatly within this species which may have considerable impact on the outcome of both inter- and intra-specific competition among the fungi within trees and the short- and long-term dynamics of the fungi with the host beetle.

Drivers of macrofungal species composition in temperate forests, West Hungary: functional groups compared [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Gergely Kutszegi, Irén Siller, Bálint Dima, Katalin Takács, Zsolt Merényi, Torda Varga, Gábor Turcsányi, András Bidló, Péter Ódor
The most influential environmental drivers of macrofungal species composition were studied in managed, even-aged, mixed forests of Őrség National Park, Hungary. Functional groups of macrofungi were analyzed separately by non-metric multidimensional scaling and redundancy analysis exploring their relations to tree species composition, stand structure, soil/litter conditions, microclimate, landscape, and management history. There was some evidence that macrofungi are related to drivers that are relatively easy to measure. Wood-inhabiting fungal species composition is driven primarily by the species composition of living trees, while substratum properties and microclimate play minor roles. The terricolous saprotrophic community was determined principally by a litter pH gradient involving tree species composition and soil/litter properties. Microclimate had no concordant effect. No obvious underlying gradients were detected on ectomycorrhizal fungal species composition; however, tree size and litter pH had significant effects. For each group, no clear responses to landscape or management history were detected.

Diversity and host preference of fungi co-inhabiting Cenococcum mycorrhizae [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Gavin Kernaghan, Glenn Patriquin
Diverse fungal assemblages colonize the fine feeder roots of woody plants, including mycorrhizal fungi, fungal root endophytes and soil saprotrophs. The fungi co-inhabiting Cenococcum geophilum ectomycorrhizae (ECM) of Abies balsamea , Betula papyrifera and Picea glauca were studied at two boreal forest sites in Eastern Canada by direct PCR of ITS rDNA. 50 non- Cenococcum fungal sequence types were detected, including several potentially mycorrhizal species as well as fungal root endophytes. Non-melanized ascomycetes dominated, in contrast to the dark septate endophytes (DSE) reported in most culture dependent studies. The results demonstrate significant differences in root associated fungal assemblages among the host species studied. Fungal diversity was also host dependent, with P. glauca roots supporting a more diverse community than A. balsamea . Differences in root associated fungal communities may well influence ecological interactions among host plant species.

Is diversity a buffer against environmental temperature fluctuations? – A decomposition experiment with aquatic fungi [Fungal Ecology– A decomposition experiment with aquatic fungi]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Ana Lúcia Gonçalves, Manuel A.S. Graça, Cristina Canhoto
We tested if species-rich fungal assemblages are functionally more efficient in leaf decomposition under environmental fluctuations than species-poor assemblages. We manipulated temperature fluctuations in laboratory microcosms in which oak leaf discs were inoculated with monocultures of aquatic hyphomycetes or random mixtures of three or eight species and subjected to different temperature regimes, including three constant temperatures and temperature fluctuation regimes. Temperature regime and identity of fungal species inoculated in monoculture microcosms significantly affected decomposition rates: these increased with temperature, but across all temperature regimes species diversity promoted higher decomposition rate, although functional saturation seemed to occur above three species. In assemblages with at least eight species, litter decomposition was not inhibited by temperature fluctuating regime when compared with constant temperature conditions. Ecosystem function under environmental changes seems to benefit from the presence of multiple species.

Ecology and diversity of leaf litter fungi during early-stage decomposition in a seasonally dry tropical forest [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): C.P. Prakash, E. Thirumalai, M.B. Govinda Rajulu, N. Thirunavukkarasu, T.S. Suryanarayanan
Leaf litter samples of 12 dicotyledonous tree species (belonging to eight families) growing in a dry tropical forest and in early stages of decomposition were studied for the presence of litter fungi. Equal-sized segments of the leaves incubated in moist chambers were observed every day for 30 d for the presence of fungi. Invariably, the fungal assemblage on the litter of each tree species was dominated by a given fungal species. The diversity of fungi present in the litter varied with the tree species although many species of fungi occurred in the litter of all 12 species. A Pestalotiopsis species dominated the litter fungal assemblage of five trees and was common in the litter of all tree species. The present study and earlier studies from our lab indicate that fungi have evolved traits such as thermotolerant spores, ability to utilize toxic furaldehydes, ability to produce cell wall destructuring enzymes and an endophyte-litter fungus life style to survive and establish themselves in fire-prone forests such as the one studied here. This study shows that in the dry tropical forest, the leaf litter fungal assemblage is governed more by the environment than by the plant species.

Does endophyte symbiosis resist allelopathic effects of an invasive plant in degraded grassland? [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Gensheng Bao, Kari Saikkonen, Hongsheng Wang, Lianyu Zhou, Shuihong Chen, Chunjie Li, Zhibiao Nan
Allelopathic effects and plant associated systemic endophytic fungi are often thought to play a role in the invasion of exotic plant species. Here, we tested the inhibitory effects of the aqueous extracts of the hemiparasitic weed Pedicularis kansuensis on seed germination and seedling growth of endophyte-free (E−) and -infected (E+) grass species, Stipa purpurea and Elymus tangutorum . The weed extracts significantly inhibited both seed germination and seedling growth of the target grass species. Extracts from the inflorescences gave greater inhibition than those from the stems or roots, while the concentration of the extract had a direct effect on the extent of inhibition. The E+ target plants were less susceptible to the extracts than their E-counterparts. Our results suggest that the allelopathic potential of P. kansuensis will lead to increased frequencies of endophyte infected plants in grass populations.

Changes in fungal community of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) needles along a latitudinal gradient in Sweden [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Hanna Millberg, Johanna Boberg, Jan Stenlid
Conifer needles are typically long lived and can host a diverse community of fungal species with various effects on their host tree. The purpose of this study was to analyse shifts in the fungal community of Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris ) needles on different spatial scales using 454 pyrosequencing. The fungal community composition changed gradually along a north-south gradient through Sweden, representing boreal to temperate vegetation zones. OTU richness and Shannon's diversity index increased with increasing latitude, but only in naturally regenerated forests. On the tree level, needles with symptoms of disease hosted a more diverse mycobiota compared to healthy needles, presumably supporting more pathogenic or saprotrophic species. This study provides a better insight into the patterns of fungal communities of Scots pine needles and highlights the need for further experimental research to identify specific environmental factors shaping the abundance of different fungal species.

Maxent modeling for predicting the potential distribution of Sanghuang, an important group of medicinal fungi in China [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Hai-Sheng Yuan, Yu-Lian Wei, Xu-Gao Wang
The ability to identify the spatial distribution of economically important fungal species is crucial for understanding the environmental factors that affect them and for conservation management. A potentially valuable approach for this is maximum entropy (Maxent) spatial distribution modeling, which was applied here to map the potential distribution of three “Sanghuang” mushrooms in China, which include Phellinus baumii , Phellinus igniarius and Phellinus vaninii . Nineteen WorldClim bioclimatic variables, with corresponding altitude data, and 89 spatially well-dispersed species occurrence records were used in the modeling. The relative importance of the environmental variables was evaluated by Jackknife tests in the modeling analysis. The maximum entropy models obtained have high Area Under Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) values: 0.956, 0.967 and 0.960, for P. baumii , P. igniarius and P. vaninii , respectively. The bioclimatic variable that most strongly affected distributions of P. baumii and P. vaninii was precipitation in the warmest quarter, while the mean temperature in the warmest quarter affected the distribution of P. igniarius most strongly. Overall, these models could provide valuable help in searching for the target species in areas where it is hitherto unknown, and be the reference of conservation measures for these medicinal fungal species.

A foliar endophyte increases the diversity of phosphorus-solubilizing rhizospheric fungi and mycorrhizal colonization in the wild grass Bromus auleticus [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): A.M. Arrieta, L.J. Iannone, J.M. Scervino, M.V. Vignale, M.V. Novas
Asexual Epichloë endophytes establish mutualistic symbioses with grasses, improve fitness of their hosts and modify the surrounding environment. To test the hypothesis that this symbiotic association increases the abundance and diversity of phosphate-solubilizing fungi (PSF), a pot experiment was conducted combining two endophytic statuses: Epichloë -infected (E+) and non-infected (E−) Bromus auleticus plants, and two soil types collected from agricultural (A) and non-agricultural (NA) fields. Soil fungi were isolated at the beginning of the experiment and 12 months after the introduction of B. auleticus , and tested for their inorganic P (Pi)-solubilizing capability. Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization in B. auleticus roots of E+ and E− plants was also analyzed. PSF abundance was affected by the endophytic status and by the type of soil; the highest value was detected in the E−NA treatment, followed by the E+A treatment. PSF diversity was higher in NA than in A soils and higher in soils treated with E+ than in those treated with E−. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization was higher in E+ plants. We hypothesize that the positive association between Epichloë endophytes and mycorrhizal fungi with an increase in the PSF diversity would generate an increase in the phosphorus (P) available to plants.

Nitrous oxide productivity of soil fungi along a gradient of cattle impact [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Jiří Jirout
The objective of the study was to identify N 2 O-producing fungi isolated from six qualitatively different sections of an overwintering pasture with substantial cattle impact. 80 out of 164 fungal isolates were considered as N 2 O-producers in nitrite-containing medium, representing 33 fungal species of 23 different genera. Ability to produce N 2 O was newly reported in eight genera: Arthrinium , Gibellulopsis , Ilyonectria , Lichtheimia , Paraphaeosphaeria , Purpureocillium , Tolypocladium and Westerdykella . Three levels of fungal N 2 O-productivity were assigned according to the fraction of nitrite-N transformed into N 2 O–N: < 1%, 1–10%, over 10%. Fungi capable of high and moderate transformation rates were predominantly isolated from sections under current or past cattle impact, where they contributed with a maximum of 65% of the total N 2 O emissions. There was no significant effect of cultivation conditions on the fraction of N 2 O-producing fungi. The results demonstrate that N 2 O-producing fungi are a common constituent of fungal communities in soils impacted by overwintering cattle.

Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) staying in urban environments have higher levels of microfungi biota diversity than do birds from non-urban areas [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Włodzimierz Meissner, Maria Dynowska, Katarzyna Góralska, Hanna Rzyska
Migratory water birds, including the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) – one of the most abundant waterfowl species – are involved in the dispersal of microfungi. This study was undertaken to collect data on the possible differences in fungal biota between mallards in urban and non-urban areas. In total, 53 species of microfungi were found in samples taken from the bill cavity and the cloaca. Among them, 19% are pathogens of humans, including the most common fungus, Candida albicans (18.0% of all isolates). Mallards living in proximity to humans were colonised with a higher number of fungal species than were birds living in non-urban areas. This might be the result of conditions that are favourable for microfungi in cities. The differences between the urban and non-urban environments are responsible for the higher levels of similarity in the species structure of the fungi found in the bill cavity and the cloaca within the same environment rather than in the same ontocenoses from different sites.

Using direct amplification and next-generation sequencing technology to explore foliar endophyte communities in experimentally inoculated western white pines [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Lorinda S. Bullington, Beau G. Larkin
Fungal endophytes can influence survivability and disease severity of trees. Here we characterized the endophyte community in Pinus monticola (western white pine), an important species in the northwest USA, largely decimated by pathogenic fungi. We also assessed the ability to successfully inoculate seedlings with desirable endophytes, with the long-term goal of providing a protective microbiome and added defense from pathogens. P. monticola seedlings were inoculated in the field with potential pathogen antagonists and fungi isolated from healthy mature trees. Following inoculations direct amplification and next generation sequencing were used to characterize fungal endophyte communities, and explore interspecific competition, diversity, and co-occurrence patterns in needle tissues. Negative co-occurrence patterns between inoculated fungi and potential pathogens, as well as many other species, suggest early competitive interactions. Our study explores early endophyte community assemblage and shows that fungal inoculations may influence tree growth.

The occurrence of myxomycetes in wood [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Katherine M. Taylor, Alan Feest, Steven L. Stephenson
Although the fruiting bodies of myxomycetes are commonly found associated with coarse woody debris in forest ecosystems throughout the world, there is no direct evidence that these organisms actually live within wood. In the research reported herein, surface sterilisation of pieces of wood taken from the branches of eight different tree species and the subsequent culturing of slivers of wood collected from within the interior of those branches clearly revealed the presence of the amoeboflagellates of myxomycetes. No evidence of the occurrence of plasmodia within wood was found, but amoeboflagellates emerged from 47 % of the wood slivers placed in culture.

Cultivar-level genotype differences influence diversity and composition of lettuce (Lactuca sp.) phyllosphere fungal communities [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Paul J. Hunter, David A.C. Pink, Gary D. Bending
Different lettuce genotypes supported significantly different phyllosphere fungal communities. Phyllosphere fungal diversity was low and fungi fell into five similarity groups. These groups were represented in significantly different proportions throughout 26 lettuce accessions indicating cultivar-level variation in the fungal colonization of the lettuce phyllosphere. Significant differences in the proportions of the two dominant groups (with similarity to Cladosporium spp. and Sporobolomyces roseus ) were identified between parental lines of two lettuce mapping populations providing opportunities to further investigate the genetic control of cultivar-level variation in fungal phyllosphere colonisation.

The natural history, ecology, and epidemiology of Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola and its potential impact on free-ranging snake populations [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Matthew C. Allender, Daniel B. Raudabaugh, Frank H. Gleason, Andrew N. Miller
Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola , the causative agent of snake fungal disease, is a serious emerging fungal pathogen of North American-endemic and captive snakes. We provide a detailed literature review, introduce new ecological and biological information and consider aspects of O. ophiodiicola that need further investigation. The current biological evidence suggests that this fungus can persist as an environmental saprobe in soil, as well as colonizing living hosts. Not unlike other emerging fungal pathogens, many fundamental questions such as the origin of O. ophiodiicola , mode of transmission, environmental influences, and effective treatment options still need to be investigated.

Spore wall traits of ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic agarics may mirror their distinct lifestyles [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Hans Halbwachs, Roland Brandl, Claus Bässler
Although fungal spores are tiny compared to plant seeds, their morphological variability is enormous, which points toward selective forces. We investigated the frequency of ornamentation, thick walls, pigmentation and germ pores of spores of ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic agarics. We hypothesised that these traits are shaped by the needs of these distinct lifestyles. All traits showed a strong phylogenetic signal; we therefore applied a phylogenetically informed statistical analysis. There was a significantly higher occurrence of spore ornamentation in ectomycorrhizal agarics and a higher occurrence of thick-walled spores in saprotrophic agarics. The interplay between thick-walled and pigmented spores and the occurrence of germ pores was only significant for saprotrophs. We argue that ornamentation is probably important to ectomycorrhizal fungi for dispersal by soil invertebrates, whereas pigmented thick walls and germ pores would be more advantageous for predominantly r-selected saprotrophic agarics exposed to hazardous environments and in need of quick germination success.

Ectomycorrhizal fungi have larger fruit bodies than saprotrophic fungi [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Claus Bässler, Jacob Heilmann-Clausen, Peter Karasch, Roland Brandl, Hans Halbwachs
Currently we have only a limited understanding of the evolutionary and ecological significance of reproductive traits of fungi. We compared data on fruit body size, spore size and shape between saprotrophic and mutualistic (ectomycorrhizal) fungi in Northern and Central Europe. Lifestyle and reproductive traits showed strong phylogenetic signals. A phylogenetically informed analysis demonstrated that saprotrophs produce on average smaller fruit bodies than mutualistic species. The two guilds, however, do not differ in spore size. Overall this suggests that fruit bodies of ectomycorrhizal fungi produce on average more spores than saprotrophic fungi. We argue that this difference is related to resource availability: ectomycorrhizal fungi receive carbon from their hosts and, therefore, evolution favours large fruit bodies, whereas the fruit body size of saprotrophic fungi might have responded to resource availability and the distribution and size of resource patches.

The shape of fungal ecology: does spore morphology give clues to a species' niche? [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: October 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 17
Author(s): Anne Pringle, Else Vellinga, Kabir Peay

Zoosporic parasites infecting marine diatoms – A black box that needs to be opened [Fungal Ecology– A black box that needs to be opened]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: Available online 28 September 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology
Author(s): Bettina Scholz, Laure Guillou, Agostina V. Marano, Sigrid Neuhauser, Brooke K. Sullivan, Ulf Karsten, Frithjof C. Küpper, Frank H. Gleason
Living organisms in aquatic ecosystems are almost constantly confronted by pathogens. Nevertheless, very little is known about diseases of marine diatoms, the main primary producers of the oceans. Only a few examples of marine diatoms infected by zoosporic parasites are published, yet these studies suggest that diseases may have significant impacts on the ecology of individual diatom hosts and the composition of communities at both the producer and consumer trophic levels of food webs. Here we summarize available ecological and morphological data on chytrids, aphelids, stramenopiles (including oomycetes, labyrinthuloids, and hyphochytrids), parasitic dinoflagellates, cercozoans and phytomyxids, all of which are known zoosporic parasites of marine diatoms. Difficulties in identification of host and pathogen species and possible effects of environmental parameters on the prevalence of zoosporic parasites are discussed. Based on published data, we conclude that zoosporic parasites are much more abundant in marine ecosystems than the available literature reports, and that, at present, both the diversity and the prevalence of such pathogens are underestimated.

Graphical abstract

Ecological stoichiometry of aquatic fungi: current knowledge and perspectives [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: Available online 26 September 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology
Author(s): Michael Danger, Mark O. Gessner, Felix Bärlocher
Ecological stoichiometry investigates how the ratios of elements in organisms shape their ecology and nutrient and energy fluxes in ecosystems. Despite their global distribution and essential roles in nutrient cycling, microbial decomposers are among the least known organisms in terms of elemental concentrations and stoichiometric relationships. This review compiles information currently available on aquatic fungi and the role of stoichiometric constraints in fungal ecology. These data show that elemental ratios of fungal biomass vary widely, with ranges exceeding those found for bacteria. In part, this variability may be related to hyphal growth rates, according to the growth rate hypothesis, but results have been equivocal so far and could be partly attributed to limited fungal homeostasis. However, this issue requires further investigation before firm conclusions can be drawn. Much evidence indicates that aquatic fungi enhance the quality of leaf litter to consumers by lowering C:N or C:P ratios, thereby affecting the life history of consumers and promoting nutrient and energy transfer in aquatic ecosystems. In contrast, pertinent data to assess the importance of resource stoichiometry on aquatic fungal community structure appears to be lacking at present. Differences in the stoichiometric requirements of fungi vs bacteria could partly explain literature observations on stoichiometric determinants of fungal–bacterial interaction in aquatic ecosystems. Numerous perspectives for future research unfold when applying stoichiometric theory to aquatic fungi and their role in aquatic food webs and ecosystems.

Discovery of dark matter fungi in aquatic ecosystems demands a reappraisal of the phylogeny and ecology of zoosporic fungi [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: Available online 14 September 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology
Author(s): Hans-Peter Grossart, Christian Wurzbacher, Timothy Y. James, Maiko Kagami
Our knowledge of zoosporic fungal phylogeny, physiology, and ecological functions, in particular their role in aquatic food web dynamics and biogeochemistry, is limited. The recent discovery of numerous dark matter fungi (DMF), i.e., uncultured and poorly known taxa belonging to early diverging branches of the fungal tree (namely the Rozellomycota and Chytridiomycota) calls for reconsideration of the phylogeny and ecology of zoosporic fungi. In this opinion paper, we summarize the exploration of new, recently discovered lineages of DMF and their implications for the ecology, evolution, and biogeography of the rapidly growing fungal tree. We also discuss possible ecological roles of zoosporic fungi in relation to recent methodological developments including single cell genomics and cultivation efforts. Finally, we suggest linking explorative with experimental research to gain deeper insights into the physiology and ecological functioning of zoosporic fungi DMF in aquatic habitats.

Characterization of fungi associated with the nasal hairs of Molossid bats [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: Available online 12 September 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology
Author(s): Julie Teresa Shapiro, Thiago Mateus Rocha dos Santos, Clarice Rossato Marchetti, Aline Pedroso Lorenz-Lemke, Emília Delarmelina, Marcelo Oscar Bordignon
Fungal pathogens have become a serious threat to wildlife, threatening populations of even once common, abundant species. We describe the mycobiota associated with the nasal hairs of three Molossid bat species, Cynomops planirostris , Molossus molossus , and Molossus rufus , in southwest Brazil. Bats were captured in the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes. We cultured 22 fungal isolates from twelve individual bats. Sixteen sequences of the ITS region were obtained, yielding 11 unique sequence types from the genera Aspergillus , Cladosporium , Paecilomyces , and Penicillium . No obvious detrimental effects on the bats from the fungi were observed, although some species or genera that we identified are known pathogens in other species. This is the first report of such fungi associated with the nasal hairs of Molossid bats. Our results indicate the need for further research on the biodiversity, ecological role, and potential effects of this mycobiota on Molossid bats.

Preliminary insights into the evolutionary relationships of aquatic hyphomycetes and endophytic fungi [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: Available online 8 September 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology
Author(s): Sahadevan Seena, Silvia Monroy
Aquatic hyphomycetes play a key role in leaf litter decomposition and are mediators of organic matter turnover in streams. Molecular studies have shown that some aquatic fungi are also plant endophytes, however, more evidence is needed to evaluate their multiple ecological abilities. To date, little information is available on fungal lineages that might have undergone convergent evolution to adapt to multiple ecological modes. We examined the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary divergences of aquatic hyphomycetes, endophytic aquatic hyphomycetes and other fungal endophytes of riparian/terrestrial plants by analyzing ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Sequences with close phylogenetic affinity to aquatic fungi can occur as endophytes of terrestrial plants or in soil far from streams. To fully understand the ecological impact of aquatic hyphomycetes, we need to document and interpret their niches more broadly.

Microscopy- or DNA-based analyses: Which methodology gives a truer picture of stream-dwelling decomposer fungal diversity? [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: Available online 7 September 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology
Author(s): Isabel Fernandes, Ana Pereira, José Trabulo, Cláudia Pascoal, Fernanda Cássio, Sofia Duarte
We assessed aquatic hyphomycete diversity in autumn and spring on oak leaves decomposing in five streams along a gradient of eutrophication in the Northwest of Portugal. Diversity was assessed through microscopy-based (identification by spore morphology) and DNA-based techniques (Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis and 454 pyrosequencing). Pyrosequencing revealed five times greater diversity than DGGE. About 21% of all aquatic hyphomycete species were exclusively detected by pyrosequencing and 26% exclusively by spore identification. In some streams, more than half of the recorded species would have remained undetected if we had relied only on spore identification. Nevertheless, in spring aquatic hyphomycete diversity was higher based on spore identification, probably because many species occurring in this season are not yet connected to ITS barcodes in genetic databases. Pyrosequencing was a powerful tool for revealing aquatic hyphomycete diversity on decomposing plant litter in streams and we strongly encourage researchers to continue the effort in barcoding fungal species.

Aquatic hyphomycetes and litter decomposition in tropical – subtropical low order streams [Fungal Ecology– subtropical low order streams]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: Available online 29 August 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology
Author(s): Manuel A.S. Graça, Kevin Hyde, Eric Chauvet
Leaf litter decomposition is an important ecosystem function carried out by a diverse array of consumers, including aquatic hyphomycetes. Aquatic hyphomycetes are found in streams worldwide, but their diversity and abundance varies across systems. In general, species diversity is lower across tropical and subtropical systems when compared with temperate biomes. The low diversity in tropical and subtropical areas may be related to: (a) lower seasonality; (b) our inability to detect fungi by traditional techniques; (c) low turbulence of rivers where many studies were carried out; (d) low nutrient content in many studied tropical systems; (e) leaves highly defended against consumers; and (f) competition from other decomposers. In terms of function, fungal biomass, sporulation rates and litter decomposition by aquatic hyphomycetes in the tropics was reported to be equivalent to or much lower than observed in temperate zones. The feeding ecology of shredder invertebrates is strongly related to the presence of microbial decomposers in the environment. The lack of shredders reported for some tropical rivers may be related to a low microbial biomass, well defended tropical leaves and frequent hydrological events which remove leaves before they can be used by shredders. Seasonal variations in rain fall in tropical and subtropical systems are likely to affect litter fall, the identity and quality of litter, the reproduction of aquatic hyphomycetes (due to turbulence effects) and therefore the community composition of aquatic hyphomycetes throughout the year. Future research on aquatic hyphomycetes and litter decomposition in the tropics and sub-tropics should address the diversity/identity gap, altitudinal gradient changes and the contribution of aquatic hyphomycetes to the trophic ecology of shredders.

Ecological roles of saprotrophic Peronosporales (Oomycetes, Straminipila) in natural environments [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: Available online 5 August 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology
Author(s): A.V. Marano, A.L. Jesus, J.I. de Souza, G.H. Jerônimo, D.R. Gonçalves, M.C. Boro, S.C.O. Rocha, C.L.A. Pires-Zottarelli
The fungus-like Peronosporales are composed of several lineages of mainly biotrophic and hemibiotrophic representatives. Saprotrophic species of Peronosporales are limited to the genera Halophytophthora and Salisapilia , and to some species in Phytopythium and Phytophthora Clades 6 and 9, which inhabit terrestrial and all types of aquatic ecosystems. The recent discovery of species of Phytophthora in marine habitats and of Halophytophthora in freshwater indicated that these genera are not only morphologically but also ecologically poorly delineated. In addition, half of these genera are not monophyletic. They play key ecological roles by upgrading nutrients to higher trophic levels through colonization of plant debris, which makes substrata more palatable for detritivores or through zoospore grazing by zooplankton, although their role as saprotrophs is still largely neglected. Some species of Phytophthora can be aggressive opportunistic pathogens of riverine forests in the presence of susceptible hosts and favourable environmental conditions and, as a consequence, most studies have focused on their role as pathogens. Identification of species is challenging due to hybridization and species complexes that harbour multiple cryptic species and, therefore, is not reliable without DNA sequencing tools.

Editorial board [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: August 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 16

Tree species shape the elemental composition in the lichen Hypogymnia physodes transplanted to pairs of spruce and beech trunks [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: August 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 16
Author(s): Johan Asplund, Mikael Ohlson, Yngvar Gauslaa
The lichen Hypogymnia physodes was sampled from spruce trunks and we used to assess natural elements in the throughfall from pairs of neighbouring beech ( Fagus sylvatica ) and spruce ( Picea abies ) canopies in an unmanaged forest reserve. The beech bark (pH = 4.36 ± 0.13) was less acidic than spruce bark (3.71 ± 0.06). After a 1 yr transplantation onto trunks, lichens on beech had significantly higher concentrations of Ca, K, Mg and P than on spruce, and lower Mn, Zn and C, but had similar Al, B, Fe, N, Na, S and Si concentrations. Base cations (Ca, Mg, K) in lichens highly significantly increased with bark pH, with no overlap between tree species neither for base cations, nor for pH. The results are consistent with the view that trees modify the elemental composition of lichens in their dripzone, and that trees at least to some extent can modify the elemental chemistry of their local surroundings and thus influence ecosystem processes. We discuss lichen transplantation as a method to estimate long-term effects of tree species on local chemical environments.

Drought-induced changes in the phenology, productivity and diversity of Spanish fungi [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: August 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 16
Author(s): Ulf Büntgen, Simon Egli, J. Diego Galván, Jeffrey M. Diez, Jorge Aldea, Joaquin Latorre, Fernando Martínez-Peña
Mushrooms are amongst the most important of non-timber forest products, with growing economic value in many rural areas of the Mediterranean region. At the same time, the effects of climate variability on fungal ecology and productivity are insufficiently understood, because the belowground life cycle of fungi is mediated in many different ways and observational field surveys at the community level are generally too short. Here, we assess records of 48, 348 mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungal fruit bodies that were recorded at weekly intervals between 1995 and 2013 in Pinar Grande, the largest Spanish Scots pine forest. Autumnal fruiting was delayed by one week after 2004 compared with the period before, the mean annual number of sporocarps dropped from 2 880 to 2 045, and mean species richness declined from 55 to 51. Trends in the phenology and productivity of Boletus edulis and Lactarius spp., the most profitable edible species, were associated with decreasing Jul.–Sep. precipitation totals, whereas the mean fruit body weight of B. edulis significantly increased from 71 to 123 g (pre and post 2004). In tandem with declining Spanish tree growth and truffle harvest since the 1970s, this study reveals a strong dependency of drought-prone Iberian forest ecosystem productivity on hydroclimatic variability. In light of a predicted drier Mediterranean climate, our results further emphasize the importance of long and well-replicated field inventories at high spatiotemporal resolution for informing forest service and management strategies, as well as gastronomy and tourist industries.

Evidence for functional divergence in AM fungal communities from different montane altitudes [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: August 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 16
Author(s): Lijuan Shi, Rong Yang, Junling Zhang, Xiaobu Cai, Peter Christie, Xiaolin Li, Jingping Gai
A considerable amount of symbiotic functional variability has been demonstrated among arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) species. However, little is known about the functional divergence in AMF communities from contrasting climates. Ecotypes of Pennisetum flaccidum were grown in growth chambers with AMF communities originating from two elevations (3 105 and 4 176 m asl) on Mount Segrila in Tibet. The combinations were grown under two temperature regimes (7–12 °C and 14–19 °C), equivalent to the mean temperatures during the growing season at the two elevations. AMF communities from different elevations showed different fungal performance at both temperatures. In most cases, AMF from cold habitats developed higher intraradical and extraradical colonization at 7–12 °C than AMF from the warmer habitat, and vice versa. For mycorrhizal growth responses (MGR), there was no consistent local versus foreign effect, but AMF inoculum from colder habitats consistently led to a higher MGR than the other inoculum. These results provide strong evidence for functional differences among AMF communities from contrasting climates.

Epichloë endophyte affects the ability of powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis) to colonise drunken horse grass (Achnatherum inebrians) [Fungal Ecologyë endophyte affects the ability of powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis) to colonise drunken horse grass (Achnatherum inebrians)]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: August 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 16
Author(s): Chao Xia, Xingxu Zhang, Michael J. Christensen, Zhibiao Nan, Chunjie Li
The effect of the systemic seed-borne endophyte Epichloë gansuensis on the colonization by Blumeria graminis , the cause of powdery mildew disease, and the growth of the host grass Achnatherum inebrians , was studied under four soil water conditions. Infection incidence, disease lesion parameters, disease index, biomass production and growth parameters of the grass with and without the fungal endophyte were measured and counted after a period of disease. There was a significantly (P < 0.05) higher disease incidence and disease index for endophyte-free (E−) compared to endophyte-infected (E+) plants under different drought stresses. The presence of the endophyte significantly positively affected all of the host grass growth factors. The results of the present study demonstrate that the presence of the Epichloë endophyte reduced the ability of B. graminis to colonise A. inebrians and also conferred enhanced host plant growth at all soil water conditions tested.

Transplantation of lichen thalli: a case study on Cetraria islandica for conservation and pharmaceutical purposes [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: August 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology, Volume 16
Author(s): Daria Zarabska-Bożejewicz, Elżbieta Studzińska-Sroka, Wiesław FaŁtynowicz
Changes in biomass growth and chemical composition of transplanted Cetraria islandica lichen thalli were investigated in a natural stand in the Bory Tucholskie region (northern Poland) over 3 yr. Transplants consisted of either 3.85 or 7.88 g fragments, 12.62 g clumps, or control plots where all vegetation and lichens were removed. The initial mass of C. islandica significantly influenced the percentage cover of investigated lichens at the study plots. At the last set of study measurements the highest cover, biomass accumulation (4×) and mean final mass (31.99 g m⁻²) of C. islandica were recorded at the study plots at which 7.77 g fragments were transplanted. Analysis showed that the content of the determined chemical compounds in each sample were similar. The potential influence of other species growing at the study area on the occurrence of C. islandica was also examined through monitoring species diversity in the cleared forest floor plots. Altogether 18 species of plants and lichens were recorded in study plots, and among most abundant species Dicranum polysetum and Pleurozium schreberi were observed. The mean percentage cover for C. islandica was 14.61 %.

Biogeography of aquatic hyphomycetes: Current knowledge and future perspectives [Fungal Ecology]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: Available online 1 August 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology
Author(s): Sofia Duarte, Felix Bärlocher, Cláudia Pascoal, Fernanda Cássio
Since Ingold's (1942) initial description, mycologists have been interested in deciphering global distribution patterns of aquatic hyphomycetes, a group of fungi that play a key role in plant-litter decomposition in freshwaters. However, many questions remain largely unanswered. In this review, we used distribution data of morphospecies from studies throughout the world in an attempt to better understand the magnitude of global species richness, patterns of biodiversity and the extent of cosmopolitanism versus endemism. Sampling efforts have varied among geographic regions, and correlate significantly with species richness. Community similarity decreased with geographic or latitudinal distance. Species richness was highest at mid-latitudes (temperate streams), and high community similarities were found between geographically distant locations in similar climatic zones. Studies relying on morphotypes have undoubtedly provided relevant information on the geographic distribution of aquatic hyphomycetes. However, metagenomic approaches combining taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity in coordinated surveys will be the best option to better decipher diversity patterns of these fungi and their functional roles at a global scale.

Lignicolous freshwater fungi along a north–south latitudinal gradient in the Asian/Australian region; can we predict the impact of global warming on biodiversity and function? [Fungal Ecology–south latitudinal gradient in the Asian/Australian region; can we predict the impact of global warming on biodiversity and function?]

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:20:39 +0000

Publication date: Available online 1 August 2015
Source:Fungal Ecology
Author(s): Kevin D. Hyde, Sally Fryar, Qing Tian, Ali H. Bahkali, Jianchu Xu
Fungi play a key role in decomposition of submerged wood in streams, breaking down lignocelluloses and releasing nutrients, and are important in ecosystem functioning. These wood decay fungi are known as freshwater lignicolous fungi and are usually studied by collecting submerged woody litter, followed by incubation in a moist chamber. This review explains what are freshwater lignicolous fungi, their decay mechanisms, roles and physiological attributes. Asian/Australasian lignicolous freshwater fungi have been relatively well-surveyed and enable an account of their distribution along a latitudinal transect. Unlike freshwater leaf-dwelling fungi their diversity in water bodies is greater towards the Equator which suggests they are important for decaying submerged wood in the tropics. Riparian vegetation, disturbances such as pollution, streams drying and study methods, may all affect the diversity of freshwater lignicolous fungi, however, the overall trend is a higher diversity in the tropics and subtropics. Climate changes together with increasing deposition of woody debris from human activities, and alteration of environmental factors (such as water pollution, and dam building) will impact freshwater lignicolous fungi. Changing diversity, structure and activities of freshwater fungal communities can be expected, which will significantly impact on aquatic ecosystems, particularly on nutrient and carbon cycles. There is a great opportunity to monitor changes in freshwater fungi communities along latitudinal (north to south) and habitat gradients (from human disturbed to natural habitats), and study ecological thresholds and consequences of such changes, particularly its feedback on nutrient and carbon cycles in freshwater systems.