Original paper
Fungal colonization of alder and eucalypt leaves in two streams in Central Portugal
Bärlocher, Felix; Canhoto, Cristina; Graça, Manuel A. S.
Archiv für Hydrobiologie Volume 133 Number 4 (1995), p. 457 - 470
37 references
published: Jun 28, 1995
DOI: 10.1127/archiv-hydrobiol/133/1995/457
ArtNo. ESP141013304003, Price: 29.00 €
Abstract
Colonization of Eucalyptus globulus leaves by aquatic hyphomycetes in a second order stream in Central Portugal was delayed by 1-2 weeks when compared to colonization of Alnus glutinosa leaves. However, conidium production from eucalypt leaves eventually exceeded spore production from alder leaves. Similar numbers of fungal species were found on the two leaves during four weeks of decay. Phenolics (Folin-Ciocalteau) and tannin (protein-precipitation) contents were higher and declined more slowly in eucalypt leaves. Fungal colonization was accelerated when eucalypt leaves were first extracted with acetone, which lowered initial phenolics and tannin content. Treatment of eucalypt leaves with chloroform/methanol increased initial amounts of extractable phenolics and tannins, but greatly accelerated their decline during decay. Such leaves were rapidly colonized by aquatic hyphomycetes, and conidium production per unit weight was always higher than on alder leaves. Throughout the study and on all substrates, Lunulospora curvula was one of the dominant fungi.
Keywords
fungal • colonization • acetone • phenolics • tannin • chloroform