Succession of microfungi in Phillyrea angustifolia litter in a Mediterranean maquis in Sardinia

ABSTRACT

The colonisation of microfungi in litter bags with Phillyrea angustifolia L. leaf litter was followed for two years; the succession of microfungal communities was analysed. Two main groups of fungi were identified, whose presence is correlated with the successive decomposition stages of the substrate and with seasonal variations.     

Primo contributo alla micoecologia della lettiera di lentisco in alcune isole minori della Sardegna meridionale

Abstract

Preliminary account of the microfungi colonizing Pistaca lentiscus L. litter - A preliminary account of the microfungi colonizing Pistacia lentiscus L. leaf litter in five small islands of South Sardinia is carried out. Two species, Beltrania rhombica Penzig and Endophragmiella boewei (Crane) Hughes are present in almost all the samples investigated. A very low index in richness of species seems to be characteristic of this particular area.     

森林群落物种组成对凋落物组成的影响

在海南铜鼓岭山麓灌木林和季雨矮林固定大样地的基础上,通过收集凋落物,比较两林型的凋落物数量及其器官组成、凋落叶物种组成,探讨森林群落物种组成与凋落物组成的关系。结果表明:(1)两林型的凋落物总量及其器官组成不同,山麓灌木林(6.227 t/hm~2)比季雨矮林的年凋落量大(5.636 t/hm~2);凋落叶是凋落物的主要组成部分,能反映凋落物的凋落情况。(2)山麓灌木林凋落物优势种和主要物种为贡甲、林仔竹、橄树等15个物种,凋落叶总量占77.72%;季雨矮林的凋落物优势种和主要物种为方枝蒲桃、肖蒲桃、贡甲等17个物种,凋落叶总量占71.84%;山麓灌木林中凋落物优势种和主要物种的叶凋落量与其组成物种的株数、总断面积、树冠面积极显著正相关而季雨矮林的凋落物优势种和主要物种的叶凋落量与其组成物种的株数极显著正相关。山麓灌木林中两者的Jaccard相似性系数为20%,季雨矮林为25.93%,两林型的群落物种组成与凋落叶物种组成不一致,热带森林群落优势种不一定是凋落物优势种。     

Changes in Pelagic Bacteria Communities Due to Leaf Litter Addition

In many limnetic systems, the input of allochthonous organic matter, e.g., leaf litter, is a substantial source of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) for pelagic bacteria, especially in fall and winter when autochthonous DOC production is low. However, relatively little is known about community changes of pelagic lake bacteria due to leaf litter input which includes both the release of leaf leachates and microorganisms from the leaf litter into the surrounding water. Therefore, we have experimentally studied the effects of different types of leaf litter (Betula pendula, Fagus silvatica, and Pinus silvestris) on the pelagic bacterial community composition by adding leaves to different treatments of epilimnic water samples (unfiltered, 0.2 μm and 5.0 μm-pre-filtered) from humic Lake Grosse Fuchskuhle (Northeastern Germany). The addition of leaf litter led to a significant increase in DOC concentration in lake water, and each leaf litter type produced significantly different amounts of DOC (p = <0.001) as well as of specific DOC fractions (p = <0.001), except of polysaccharides. DGGE banding patterns varied over time, between types of leaf litter, and among treatments. Bacteria belonging to known bacterial phylotypes in the southwest basin of Lake Grosse Fuchskuhle were frequently found and even persisted after leaf litter additions. Upon leaf litter addition, α-proteobacteria (Azospirillum, Novosphingobium, and Sphingopyxis) as well as β-proteobacteria (Curvibacter and Polynucleobacter) were enriched. Our results indicate that supply of leaf litter DOM shifted the bacterial community in the surrounding water towards specific phylotypes including species capable of assimilating the more recalcitrant DOC pools. Statistical analyses, however, show that DGGE banding patterns are not only affected by DOC pools but also by treatment. This indicates that biological factors such as source community and grazing may be also important for shifts in bacterial community structure following leaf litter input into different lakes.     

Variazioni delle popolazioni di microfunghi del suolo durante il post-incendio di Monte Argentario

Abstract

Post-fire sequences in microfungal soil populations in Mount Argentario (Toscana region). A research program was conducted to investigate the post-fire sequences of microfungal populations in Thyrrenian Coastal soils. This paper reports the results of the first year of that study. An initial reduction of fungi was followed by a gradual reconstruction process characterized by a constant increase of colonies and species. The periodic after fire analysis permitted an initial understanding of the possible selective role of the fire and its consequences on some microfungal species.     

Invasive litter, not an invasive insectivore, determines invertebrate communities in Hawaiian forests

In Hawaii, invasive plants have the ability to alter litter-based food chains because they often have litter traits that differ from native species. Additionally, abundant invasive predators, especially those representing new trophic levels, can reduce prey. The relative importance of these two processes on the litter invertebrate community in Hawaii is important, because they could affect the large number of endemic and endangered invertebrates. We determined the relative importance of litter resources, represented by leaf litter of two trees, an invasive nitrogen-fixer, Falcataria moluccana, and a native tree, Metrosideros polymorpha, and predation of an invasive terrestrial frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui, on leaf litter invertebrate abundance and composition. Principle component analysis revealed that F. moluccana litter creates an invertebrate community that greatly differs from that found in M. polymorpha litter. We found that F. moluccana increased the abundance of non-native fragmenters (Amphipoda and Isopoda) by 400% and non-native predaceous ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) by 200%. E. coqui had less effect on the litter invertebrate community; it reduced microbivores by 40% in F. moluccana and non-native ants by 30% across litter types. E. coqui stomach contents were similar in abundance and composition in both litter treatments, despite dramatic differences in the invertebrate community. Additionally, our results suggest that invertebrate community differences between litter types did not cascade to influence E. coqui growth or survivorship. In conclusion, it appears that an invasive nitrogen-fixing tree species has a greater influence on litter invertebrate community abundance and composition than the invasive predator, E. coqui.     

中国西南季风常绿阔叶林不同恢复阶段凋落物动态分析

为探索季风常绿阔叶林不同恢复阶段群落凋落物产量及其动态变化规律,于云南普洱地区通过设置凋落物承接网并定期收集网内的凋落物,对中国西南季风常绿阔叶林区不同恢复阶段群落凋落物产量及其动态变化进行研究。结果表明:(1)不同恢复阶段季风常绿阔叶林年凋落物总量在8 133.1~8 798.3kg/hm2之间,年凋落物总量大小关系为恢复30年群落老龄林群落恢复40年群落。其中叶凋落量最高,其次为枝凋落量,两者贡献量超过总凋落量的3/4。(2)季风常绿阔叶林不同恢复阶段群落中凋落物随时间的动态变化趋势大致相同,2月份达到高峰值,随后逐渐减少,在9月份降至最低,随后又有所升高,为单峰或多峰曲线;在不同凋落物组分凋落量时间动态上,不同恢复阶段群落叶凋落量随月份变化均为单峰曲线;枝凋落量在恢复群落中为单峰曲线,而在老龄林中则为多峰曲线;皮凋落量随月份的变化在恢复30年及老龄林群落间均为单峰曲线,但在恢复40年群落中为平缓曲线,月份间变化不大;繁殖体凋落物在恢复30年及老龄林群落间均为多峰曲线,但在恢复40年群落中为单峰曲线;半分解物凋落量在恢复30年及老龄林群落中随月份呈单峰曲线,在恢复40年群落中则为多峰曲线。(3)在短刺栲、刺栲和红木荷3种优势物种中,短刺栲叶片年凋落量在所有群落中均最大(分别占恢复30年群落的53.93%、恢复40年群落的47.83%、老龄林的28.32%),红木荷次之(分别占恢复30年群落的8.45%、恢复40年群落的10.71%、老龄林的31.69%),刺栲最少(分别占恢复30年群落的6.1%、恢复40年群落的7.53%、老龄林的6.36%)。短刺栲叶凋落量随月份的变化在恢复群落中呈单峰曲线,而在老龄林中则呈现多峰曲线;红木荷在3种群落中则均为单峰曲线;刺栲则是在恢复30年及老龄林中呈单峰曲线,而在恢复40年群落中呈多峰曲线。     

Microfungi associated with Abies needles and Betula leaf litter in a subalpine coniferous forest

We investigated microfungal assemblages on leaf litter within a subalpine forest in central Japan and their variation with season, litter depth, and litter species. Microfungal assemblages were compared for Abies needles and Betula leaf litter collected from litter and fermentation layers of the forest floor during the growing season in spring, summer, and autumn. A total of 35 and 42 species were isolated from Abies needles and Betula leaf litter, respectively. The observed variation in microfungal assemblages was primarily attributable to seasonal differences. The frequencies of Trichoderma viride, Volutella ciliata, Mucor sp., and Umbelopsis ramanniana increased in summer, leading to a high degree of similarity of microfungal assemblages in different litter depths and litter species. Microfungal assemblages on Abies needles in spring and autumn and those on Betula leaves in spring were characterized by Trichoderma viride, V. ciliata, Thysanophora penicillioides, Trichoderma polysporum, and (or) Mortierella alpina. Microfungal assemblages on Betula leaves in autumn were characterized by the absence of these species and the occurrence of Cladosporium cladosporioides. The results were discussed with an emphasis on the role of microfungi in decomposition processes and the impact on fungi of predicted future increases in global temperature.     

Fungal endophyte‐infected leaf litter alters in‐stream microbial communities and negatively influences aquatic fungal sporulation

Endophytes are ubiquitous plant‐associated microbes and although they have the potential to alter the decomposition of infected leaf litter, this has not been well‐studied. The endophyte Rhytisma punctatum infects the leaves of Acer macrophyllum (bigleaf maple), causing the appearance of black ‘tar spots’ that persist in senesced leaves. Other foliar fungi also cause visible damage in healthy tissues of this host plant system including an unidentified bullseye‐shaped lesion, common in western Washington. Using three treatments of endophyte infection status in leaf tissue (R. punctatum‐infected, bullseye‐infected, lesion‐free), leaf litter discs were submerged in a third‐order temperate stream using mesh litter bags and harvested periodically over two months to determine the effects of litter treatment and incubation time on litter mass loss, fungal sporulation, and microbial community colonization. Litter containing symptomatic endophyte infections (Rhytisma or bullseye) had reduced sporulation of aquatic hyphomycetes, but decomposed significantly faster than lesion‐free or bullseye‐infected litter. Using amplicon‐based sequencing, we found a significant difference in bacterial communities colonizing Rhytisma‐infected and bullseye‐infected leaf litter, a significant difference in fungal communities colonizing Rhytisma‐infected leaf litter compared to the two other treatments, and a change in both community structure and relative abundances of bacterial and fungal taxa throughout the study period. Indicator Species Analysis clarified the drivers of these community shifts at the genus level. Our results show that endophyte‐associated, in‐stream sporulation and microbial community effects are observable within one species of leaf litter.     

不同树叶凋落物对人参土壤理化性质及微生物群落结构的影响

树种选择是林下山参护育成败的关键,研究树叶凋落物对人参土壤养分、微生物群落结构组成的影响,旨在为林下山参护育选择适宜林地及农田栽参土壤改良提供科学依据和理论指导。通过盆栽试验,研究添加5.0 g色木槭Acer mono.Maxim.var.mono(A)、赤松Pinus densiflora Sieb.et Zucc.(B)、胡桃楸Juglans mandshurica Maxim.(C)、紫椴Tilia amurensis Rupr.(D)、蒙古栎Quercus mongolica Fisch.ex Ledeb.(E)树叶凋落物到土壤中,种植人参(Panax ginseng C.A.meyer)后研究土壤理化性质以及微生物群落结构的变化。结果表明:添加不同树叶处理后人参土壤性质发生改变,土壤p H值显著高于对照土壤5.91(P0.05),土壤全氮、速效氮磷、微生物碳氮在所有树叶处理中显著增加(P0.05),而土壤容重、速效钾和C/N在添加树叶处理中降低。18个土壤样品基因组,经16S和ITS1测序分别得到6064和1900个OUTs。其中细菌涵盖了42门、117纲、170目、213科、225属,真菌涵盖了24门、98纲、196目、330科、435属。不同树叶处理人参土壤细菌和真菌地位发生改变,细菌Proteobacteria是树叶分解的关键微生物,添加树叶后其多样性显著高于对照(P0.05)。而细菌Bacteroidetes和真菌Basidiomycota可能是区别阔叶林和针叶林树种的关键微生物,针叶林中含量显著低于阔叶林(P0.05),而真菌Ascomycota是针叶林分解的关键微生物。进一步从不同分类水平上得到特定树叶凋落物的特异细菌和真菌。典型相关分析(CDA)表明细菌Bacteroidetes、Chloroflexi、Actinobacteria及真菌Basidiomycota、Zygomycota、Chytridiomycota及Ascomycota的位置及多样性的改变均与土壤因子SMBN、TN、AP、SOC、AK、C/N、p H有关。综上所述,添加不同树叶后不仅提高土壤微生物量碳氮、改善土壤理化性质,同时改变微生物群落结构组成,不同树叶处理土壤理化性质不同导致人参土壤微生物组成的差异,本结果对于林下参选地和农田栽参土壤微生物改良具有理论指导作用。     

Leaf growth,senescence and decomposition of Juncus maritimus Lam. in a coastal Mediterranean marsh

In this study, the growth, senescence, leaf loss and nutrient dynamics of Juncus maritimus were followed to examine litter decay in a Mediterranean coastal marsh. Decomposition was studied in dead leaves still attached to the plant and in leaves placed in litterbags (detached leaves/litter) on the sediment surface. The dynamics of fungi, meiofauna and epiphytes associated with detached litter were also followed. No significant differences were observed between decay rates in dead leaves attached to plants (0.0017 day⁻¹) and detached leaves (0.0015 day⁻¹) in litter bags. The percentage of ash-free dry weight lost was inversely proportional to the C:N and C:P ratios in plant detritus during decay, indicating N and P limitation for the decomposer community inhabiting decaying J. maritimus litter and uptake of these nutrients from the environment. Water availability and high temperatures on the sediment surface increased the density of meiofauna and epiphyton and decreased fungal biomass during the first 20 days of the experiment. The density of ciliates and nematodes in decomposing litter was inversely related to the C:N ratio and directly related to the percentage of AFDW lost. On the basis of these observations, it was concluded that meiofauna are primary colonizers of J. maritimus leaf litter.     

The meiofauna of artificial water-filled tree holes: colonization and bottom-up effects

The meiofaunal community of artificial water-filled tree holes was determined, and the bottom-up effects of different amounts of leaf litter on abundance and diversity were estimated. We assume a positive impact of leaf litter on meiofaunal abundances, species diversity, and trophic links. Plastic cups with different amounts of leaf litter were placed in a beech forest (Teutoburg Forest, Bielefeld, Germany) for 24 weeks. As early as 1 week later, the artificial tree holes were colonized by bdelloid rotifers, tardigrades, and nematodes. Rotifers were dominant throughout the experiment, followed by nematodes and tardigrades. The 29 nematode species that were identified included bacterial and hyphal feeders, with common species such as Plectus cirratus/accuminatus and Aphelenchoides parietinus predominating. Impacts of water volume (up to complete desiccation), pH, and O₂ on the meiofaunal community were not detected, whereas the addition of leaf litter resulted in bottom-up effects. Nematode abundance, especially that of bacterial feeders, and species number increased with increasing leaf input. The predatory nematode Prionchulus muscorum was found only in treatments containing high leaf content. Rotifer abundances were partly negatively affected by the amount of added leaves and, like tardigrades, showed a reversal in their correlation at higher leaf inputs. Our study revealed the fast colonization of small water bodies by meiofaunal organisms and the importance of passively distribution. Furthermore, the results provide a comparison with the meiofaunal community in lakes and soil.     

Leaf growth,senescence and decomposition of Juncus maritimus Lam. in a coastal Mediterranean marsh

In this study, the growth, senescence, leaf loss and nutrient dynamics of Juncus maritimus were followed to examine litter decay in a Mediterranean coastal marsh. Decomposition was studied in dead leaves still attached to the plant and in leaves placed in litterbags (detached leaves/litter) on the sediment surface. The dynamics of fungi, meiofauna and epiphytes associated with detached litter were also followed. No significant differences were observed between decay rates in dead leaves attached to plants (0.0017 day⁻¹) and detached leaves (0.0015 day⁻¹) in litter bags. The percentage of ash-free dry weight lost was inversely proportional to the C:N and C:P ratios in plant detritus during decay, indicating N and P limitation for the decomposer community inhabiting decaying J. maritimus litter and uptake of these nutrients from the environment. Water availability and high temperatures on the sediment surface increased the density of meiofauna and epiphyton and decreased fungal biomass during the first 20 days of the experiment. The density of ciliates and nematodes in decomposing litter was inversely related to the C:N ratio and directly related to the percentage of AFDW lost. On the basis of these observations, it was concluded that meiofauna are primary colonizers of J. maritimus leaf litter.     

Microfunghi del suolo di aree floristicamente omogenee di tre cenosi boschive delle Prealpi bellunesi

Abstract

Soil microfungi in homogeneous areas of three plant communities of North Italy.—The soil microfungi associated with three different community types in Prealpine region of North Italy were investigated. Frequency values for the taxonomic entities isolated were calculated, based on occurrence at sampling sites, in each community. Most of the entities were quantitatively rare. The microfungal communities associated with Acer pseudoplatanus and Fraxinus excelsior, with Ostrya carpinifolia and with Fagus sylvatica appeared to be a distinctive group, even if many of them contained a substantial number of species wich are common with other vegetation types.     

东祁连山灌丛凋落叶水浸提液对垂穗披碱草种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响

为了解灌丛凋落叶在灌草群落结构维持中可能存在的潜在化感作用,以东祁连山3种优势灌木和灌下优势草种垂穗披碱草(Elymus nutans)为供试材料,分析了不同浓度(0.01 g/L、0.025 g/L、0.05 g/L、0.075 g/L、0.1 g/L)的金露梅(Potentilla fruticosa)、川滇柳(Salix rehderiana)、头花杜鹃(Rhododendron capitatum)及灌间草本的凋落叶水浸提液,对垂穗披碱草种子萌发、幼苗形态和生理指标的影响。结果表明：(1)垂穗披碱草种子发芽率与发芽势在金露梅与川滇柳凋落叶浸提液处理下呈“低促高抑”的浓度效应,在灌间草本凋落叶浸提液处理时表现为先升后降,而头花杜鹃凋落叶浸提液处理时均下降,并在浓度超过0.075 g/L时种子不发芽。(2)灌丛凋落叶浸提液对垂穗披碱草幼苗根长与干重均表现出抑制作用,且随浓度增大而增强;金露梅、川滇柳与灌间草本凋落叶浸提液对垂穗披碱草幼苗苗高表现出“低促高抑”的浓度效应;而头花杜鹃凋落叶浸提液处理对垂穗披碱草幼苗鲜重与苗高均呈抑制作用。(3)垂穗披碱草幼苗CAT、SOD活性随着浸提液...     

Diversity and distribution of saprobic microfungi in leaf litter of an Australian tropical rainforest

The diversity and distribution of microfungal assemblages in leaf litter of a tropical Australian forest was assessed using two methods: (1) cultures were isolated using a particle filtration protocol (wet season 2001), and (2) fruit bodies were observed directly on leaf surfaces following incubation in humid chambers (wet and dry season of 2002). Four tree species were studied using both methods, namely Cryptocarya mackinnoniana (Lauraceae), Elaeocarpus angustifolius (Elaeocarpaceae), Ficus pleurocarpa (Moraceae), and Opisthiolepis heterophylla (Proteaceae). An additional two species, Darlingia ferruginea (Proteaceae) and Ficus destruens (Moraceae), were studied using direct observations. In total, fruiting bodies of 185 microfungal species were recorded on leaf surfaces (31–81 species per tree species), and 419 morphotypes were detected among isolates obtained by particle filtration (111–203 morphotypes per tree species). Although the observed microfungal diversity was higher with the particle filtration protocol, both methods concurred with respect to microfungal distributions. The overlap of microfungal species in pair wise comparisons of tree species was low (14–30 %), and only 2 and 3 % of microfungal species were observed in leaves of all tree species by particle filtration and by direct observations respectively. Multivariate analysis of data from direct observations confirmed the hypothesis that microfungal assemblages are strongly influenced by host phylogeny and are also affected by seasonal and site factors. The importance of host species in shaping microfungal distributions was also supported by the particle filtration data. Several taxa new to science, as well as some widespread saprotrophs, were detected on only one host. The underlying reasons for this affinity remain unclear, but we hypothesise that a number of factors may be involved such as fungal adaptation to plant secondary metabolites or the presence of a biotrophic phase in the fungus' life cycle.     

Phagotrophic protists are a key component of microbial communities processing leaf litter under contrasting oxic conditions

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Differential responses of ammonia/ammonium-oxidizing microorganisms in mangrove sediment to amendment of acetate and leaf litter

The effects of acetate and leaf litter powder on ammonia/ammonium-oxidizing microorganisms (AOMs) in mangrove sediment were investigated in a laboratory incubation study for a period of 60 days. The results showed that different AOMs responded differently to the addition of acetate and leaf litter. A higher diversity of anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria was observed when acetate or leaf litter was added than the control. However, acetate and leaf litter generally inhibited the growth of anammox bacteria despite that leaf litter promoted their growth in the first 5 days. The inhibitory effects on anammox bacteria were more pronounced by acetate than by leaf litter. Neither acetate nor leaf litter affected ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) community structures, but promoted their growth. For ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), the addition of acetate or leaf litter resulted in changes of community structures and promoted their growth in the early phase of the incubation. In addition, the promoting effects by leaf litter on AOB growth were more obvious than acetate. These results indicated that organic substances affect AOM community structures and abundances. The study suggests that leaf litter has an important influence on the community structures and abundances of AOMs in mangrove sediment and affects the nitrogen cycle in such ecosystem.     

Do litter manipulations affect leaf functional traits of savanna woody plants?

Plant litter is the layer composed of dead plant material that covers soil surfaces in terrestrial ecosystems. It is an important pool of essential nutrients for soil and plants, serving also as a protective layer on the soil surface. In this study, we investigated the effects of litter addition and removal on leaf functional traits of woody Neotropical savanna trees. We measured maximum photosynthesis (A _max), stomatal conductance (g _s), leaf transpiration (E), intrinsic water use efficiency (IWUE), specific leaf area (SLA), and chlorophyll content (CCI) in 15 species belonging to three different phenological groups (evergreen, briefly deciduous, and deciduous species) that were subjected to three distinct litter availability treatments (addition, removal, and control plots) in a Neotropical Savanna site in Brazil. Although SLA and CCI differed among phenology groups, they were not affected by the litter treatments. In contrast, when considered at the community level, we found that the availability of litter affected the leaf traits linked with the water status of the plants (E, g _s and IWUE). Plants in the litter removal plots exhibited lower g _s and E (25 % of reduction in comparison with control group) but higher IWUE, while plants in the litter addition plots had a 10 % decrease in IWUE but a 12 % increase in g _s and E compared with plants in control plots. Savanna woody plants responded promptly to litter manipulation by adjusting leaf water loss, which suggests that in the short term, changes in the amount of litter in Cerrado ecosystems can affect the soil water availability to the plant community.