Community structure and diversity of marine ascomycetes from coastal beaches of the southern Gulf of Mexico

Diversity of marine fungi in the Gulf of Mexico remains unknown for the most part, therefore the geographical distribution patterns of these microorganisms are mostly unknown too. Twelve sandy beaches located in this sea were sampled to evaluate the diversity of marine fungi, revealed by fruiting on natural substrata incubated in the laboratory for up to 12 months. Species richness and diversity differed between beaches, and corresponded with the presence of main and highly polluted river mouths, nearshore marine environments, and core industrial and port developments. Contaminants and local anthropogenic activities may be reducing the diversity of marine ascomycetes. Connections between beaches and different nearshore habitats explain the high diversity observed, since they represent a varied source of substrata for decomposition and heterogeneous environmental conditions. We recognized four main local species distribution patterns. Moreover, the constrained correspondence analysis showed that temperature is a major environmental variable affecting the distribution of these fungi. By a linear regression we showed a significant relationship between temperature and diversity.     

海洋真菌分子生态学研究概况、问题与展望

作为真核生物的一个重要类群,真菌在海洋生态系统的物质循环过程中发挥关键作用。研究海洋环境中真菌多样性、生物地理分布模式及其影响因素,对于更好地认识微生物如何响应人类活动影响与全球气候变化具有重要意义。随着研究手段的发展,特别是高通量测序技术的广泛应用,近些年海洋真菌分子生态学研究取得了一些重要成果。同时,也存在一些问题与不足。随着我国科学研究向深远海发展战略的实施,我国学者近些年也开始涉足深远海真菌多样性研究,取得了不错的成绩。为系统了解海洋真菌分子多样性、群落组成以及时空分布模式的研究现状,作者针对该领域的研究概况作一综述。同时,提出目前存在的问题与未来研究展望。     

Twenty years of research on community composition and species distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in China: a review

The biodiversity and distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in different ecosystems and plant communities in China has received increasing interest over the past decades. This has led to a steady increase in the number of scientific papers published on this topic. Studies have surveyed AMF-colonizing rhizospheres of most families of angiosperms, bryophytes, pteridophytes, and gymnosperms. China has about 30,000 plant species (one eighth of the plant species worldwide). A total of 104 AMF species within nine genera, including 12 new species, have been reported in environments such as croplands, grasslands, forests, and numerous disturbed environments. In this paper, we review data published over the past 20 years on AMF community composition and species distribution, the mycorrhizal status of plants, AMF spore communities in different habitats, and germplasm collections in China. Possible future trends in the study of the biodiversity of AMF are also briefly discussed. In particular, the aim of our review is to make some of the recent work published in the Chinese literature accessible to a wider international audience.     

呼伦贝尔沙地樟子松外生菌根真菌多样性

沙地樟子松是我国北方重要的防风固沙造林树种,也是一种典型的外生菌根依赖型树种。为揭示呼伦贝尔沙地樟子松外生菌根真菌多样性,以中龄、近熟、成熟3个龄组沙地樟子松人工林和沙地樟子松天然林为研究对象,采用野外调查和分子生物学相结合的研究方法,鉴定分析沙地樟子松外生菌根真菌种群特征。研究结果表明：（1）呼伦贝尔沙地樟子松外生菌根真菌共有10个OTU属于子囊菌,48个OTU属于担子菌,隶属于21科25属。（2）天然林优势菌为糙缘腺革菌属Amphinema、丝膜菌属Cortinarius和乳牛肝菌属Suillus,人工林优势菌为乳牛肝菌属,其余菌种相对丰度随着林龄变化波动较大。（3）天然林与人工林外生菌根真菌种群Shannon、Simpson和Pielou指数存在显著差异（P<0.05）,人工林间alpha多样性指数差异不显著（P>0.05）。（4）呼伦贝尔沙地樟子松天然林和人工林外生菌根真菌种群组成存在较大差异,其中近熟林的外生菌根真菌群落组成与天然林的最为接近。     

Studies on the tropical marine fungi of Brunei

Driftwood, mangrove roots and branches, and seaweeds were examined for marine fungi from beaches, rocky shorelines, an artificial lake and mangrove stands. Ninety-five species, some new to science were recorded. This is the largest number of marine fungi reported from a single study. Our knowledge of the geographic distributions of these fungi has been extended. New and rare species are illustrated at the light microscope and SEM levels.     

海洋真菌生物活性物质研究之管见

海洋真菌是活性海洋天然产物的重要来源,到目前为止,已从海洋真菌的发酵产物中分离鉴定了1,117个新化合物。介绍了海洋真菌次生代谢产物的研究历史、现状、特点、研究方法、存在问题及其在新药研究中的应用前景。     

Responses of four isolates of marine naked amoebae to reductions in salinity

The salinity tolerances of four species of naked amoebae, isolated from a temperate sandy beach, to gradual and rapid reductions in environmental salinity were tested. The greatest resilience to both forms of salinity change was displayed by a small Platyamoeba sp. Following gradual acclimation, this isolate was able to show normal growth in salinities as low as 17‰ and altered growth rates down to 7‰ and was able to survive and grow normally in media after a rapid drop in salinity from 32‰ to 17‰. A non-eruptive limax isolate was as resilient and showed normal growth after gradual acclimation in 17‰ salinity media, in salinities lower than this generation times increased and cell yields decreased. The maximum rapid drop in salinity that this species could tolerate and still show normal growth was from 32‰ to 17‰. The poorest tolerance to reduced salinity was shown by populations of Mayorella sp. The lowest salinity this species showed growth in was 12‰ but populations in this salinity displayed very long generation times and very poor cell yields. The response of a Vahlkampfia sp. was intermediate between the responses of the other three isolates. All four of these species were able to survive as floating forms for 2 days or longer in 2‰ salinity media which was unable to support their growth and attachment. Viable cells were present after 48 h (Mayorella sp.) to 1 week and more (Platyamoeba sp. and limax amoebae). These results are potentially important in relation to the structuring of natural amoebae communities. In temperate marine habitats, amoebae which have a greater ability to attach (and remain attached) and display normal generation times under conditions of reduced salinity may be able to colonise a wider range of marine habitats and out-compete, other less resilient species.     

真菌多样性研究方法进展

真菌广泛存在于自然界,在生态系统中发挥着重要的作用.随着分子生物学技术在微生物多样性研究中的广泛应用以及宏基因组学技术的出现,打破了传统微生物培养法的局限性,人们对于真菌多样性的认识日渐提高.该文主要综述了研究真菌多样性方法的主要发展历程,介绍几种有关真菌多样性研究常用的分子生物学方法,包括基于PCR的克隆文库方法、变性梯度凝胶电泳、末端限制性长度多态性、实时荧光定量PCR、荧光原位杂交、序列标签标记的高通量测序以及宏基因组技术,并且阐述宏基因组学技术在此领域蕴含的巨大发展潜力.     

Mesorhizobium jarvisii is a dominant and widespread species symbiotically efficient on Astragalus sinicus L. in the Southwest of China

In order to identify rhizobia of Astragalus sinicus L. and estimate their geographic distribution in the Southwest China, native rhizobia nodulating A. sinicus were isolated and their genetic diversity were studied at 13 sites cultivated in four Chinese provinces. A total of 451 rhizobial isolates were trapped with A. sinicus plants from soils and classified into 8 different genotypes defined by PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of 16S–23S rRNA intergenic spacer (IGS). Twenty-one representative strains were further identified into three defined Mesorhizobium species by phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA genes and housekeeping genes (glnII and atpD). M. jarvisii was dominant accounting for 76.3% of the total isolates, 22.8% of the isolates were identified as M. huakuii and five strains belonged to M. qingshengii. All representatives were assigned to the symbiovar astragali by sharing high nodC sequence similarities of more than 99%. Furthermore, the biogeography distribution of these rhizobial genotypes and species was mainly affected by contents of available phosphorus, available potassium, total salts and pH in soils. The most remarkable point was the identification of M. jarvisii as a widespread and predominant species of A. sinicus in southwest of China. These results revealed a novel geographic pattern of rhizobia associated with A. sinicus in China.     

Studies on diversity of higher fungi in Yunnan,southwestern China: A review

Yunnan is exceedingly rich in higher fungi (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota). Given that the number of fungi (including lichens) occurring in a given area is, as Hawksworth suggested, roughly six times that of local vascular plants, a total of approximately 104,000 fungal species would be expected in Yunnan. However, to date only about 6000 fungal species, including roughly 3000 species of higher fungi, have been reported from the province. Although studies on Yunnan's fungi started in the late nineteenth century, significant progress has been made only in the last forty-five years. Over the first twenty-five years of this period, studies on fungal diversity in this area have largely been about taxonomy based on morphological characters and partially on geographical distribution. Over the past twenty years, the combination of both morphological and molecular phylogenetic approaches has become the preferred method to help understand the diversity and evolution of higher fungi. This review focuses on our current knowledge of how geological, geographical, and ecological factors may have contributed to the diversity patterns of higher fungi in Yunnan. Based on this knowledge, three aspects for future studies are suggested.     

Molecular ecology and biogeography of mangrove trees towards conceptual insights on gene flow and barriers: A review

In this review the most recent contributions to the field of molecular ecology and biogeography of mangrove trees are considered. Emphasis is on the obtained information of the different molecular marker methods used in mangrove genetics and on the potential to infer biogeographical patterns. Isozymes on average showed low or even no polymorphism in mangrove trees similar as known in seagrasses. The outcrossing Avicennia seems to be the most variable mangrove tree for isozymes. Both low amounts of interpretable allozymes and difficulties in maintaining the enzyme activity have reduced the number of successful studies during the isozyme era. Dominant marker methods (RAPD, AFLP and ISSR) were successful to demonstrate differences in amplified DNA products at large-scale geographical distances within Avicennia species and to estimate species relationships. Hybrid testing seldom revealed hybridization among tree species. The most promising markers (microsatellites or SSR) were only recently developed and will continue to provide evidence in future studies. SSR loci in Avicennia seem to show relatively low levels of polymorphism, though clearly demonstrating that populations located at the edge of the species range can be even more depauperated. Populations located more central in their native range and situated along the same coastline such as reported in Rhizophora, are expected to be only weakly differentiated due to increased levels of gene flow. Haplotypic chloroplast variants (PCR-RFLP) or sequences revealed strong genetic structuring between populations of Avicennia, Kandelia and Ceriops from different biogeographical oceanic regions. Recent views on long-distance dispersal and on gene flow across oceans as well as along the same coastline are discussed. A comparative analysis on genetic variables across species and regions indicated general trends in the partitioning of genetic variation. A conceptual map with a worldwide overview of those regions where high levels of gene flow were reported and of other regions that were considered as effective barriers, is presented. As an aim to increase the number of reliable comparisons of genetic variables across species or regions and to increase the relevance of mangrove genetics for local conservation issues, recommendations on the molecular markers and on the sampling design of individuals and populations are given within a conceptual context of evolutionary significant units.     

Local distribution and thermal ecology of two intertidal fishes

Geographic variability in the physiological attributes of widely distributed species can be a result of phenotypic plasticity or can reflect evolutionary responses to a particular habitat. In the field, we assessed thermal variability in low and high intertidal pools and the distribution of resident fish species Scartichthys viridis and transitory Girella laevifrons along this vertical intertidal gradient at three localities along the Chilean coast: Antofagasta (the northernmost and warmest habitat), Carrizal Bajo (central coast) and Las Cruces (the southernmost and coldest habitat). In the laboratory, we evaluated the thermal sensitivity of fish captured from each locality. The response to temperature was estimated as the frequency of opercular movements and as thermal selectivity in a gradient; the former being a indirect indicator of energy costs in a particular environment and the latter revealing differential occupation of habitat. Seawater temperature in intertidal pools was greatest at Antofagasta, and within each site was greatest in high intertidal pools. The two intertidal fish species showed opposite patterns of local distribution, with S. viridis primarily inhabiting the lower sectors of the intertidal zone, and G. laevifrons occupying the higher sectors of the intertidal zone. This pattern was consistent for all three localities. Locality was found to be a very important factor determining the frequency of opercular movement and thermal selectivity of both S. viridis and G. laevifrons. Our results suggest that S. viridis and G. laevifrons respond according to: (1) the thermal history of the habitat from which they came, and (2) the immediate physical conditions of their habitat. These results suggest local adaptation rather than plasticity in thermoregulatory and energetic mechanisms.     

Taxonomic studies of the Halosphaeriaceae: Corollospora Werdermann

Taxonomic studies of the Halosphaeriaceae: Corollospora Werdermann. The problems in the classification of the genus Corollospora Halosphaeriaceae, Ascomycotina; are outlined. In Corollospora nine species have been described, five are retained in Corollospora (C. maritima, C. intermedia, C. lacera, C. pulchella, C. luteola ); one species is referred to Arenariomyces (A. trifurcatus ); and two new genera are described to accommodate the remaining species. Arenariomyces trifurcatus is lectotypified and a neotype has been deposited. Key to these taxa are given.     

Ecology of tropical marine fungi

Lignicolous material was collected from 5 marine locations in Brunei: a rocky headland, a sandy beach, a man-made brackish lake, a healthy mangrove and an oil polluted mangrove. Higher marine fungi present were identified and their percentage occurrence noted. The common marine fungi varied from habitat to habitat. Antennospora quadricornuta was most common at the rocky headland, Corollospora pulchella at the sandy beach and Halosarpheia marina at the brackish lake. In the mangroves the most common species were Halocyphina villosa (healthy) and Cirrenalia pygmea and Lulworthia grandispora (oil polluted). Differences in species composition from one habitat to the next were observed, although some fungi occurred throughout. There were significantly less diversity and numbers of fungi in the oil polluted mangrove when compared to the healthy mangrove. Observations concerning the ecology of tropical marine fungi are made.     

Role of fungi in marine ecosystems

Marine fungi are an ecological rather than a taxonomic group and comprise an estimated 1500 species, excluding those that form lichens. They occur in most marine habitats and generally have a pantropical or pantemperate distribution. Marine fungi are major decomposers of woody and herbaceous substrates in marine ecosystems. Their importance lies in their ability to aggressively degrade lignocellulose. They may be important in the degradation of dead animals and animal parts. Marine fungi are important pathogens of plants and animals and also form symbiotic relationships with other organisms. The effect of disturbances on marine fungi is poorly investigated. Keystone marine species may exist, especially in mutualistic symbioses. However, as many saprophytes appear to carry out the same function simultaneously, they may be functionally redundant. The need for a concerted effort to investigate the biodiversity and role of marine fungi globally and on as many substrata as possible is presented.     

光叶珙桐的等位酶分析及其生物地理学意义

采用水平切片淀粉凝胶电泳实验方法,对光叶珙桐(Davidia involucrata var．vilmoriniana)4个居群、78个个体、11种酶系统,21个位点进行了等位酶分析。各居群的多态位点百分比P＝28.6％-47．6％,实际杂合度Ho＝0．177—0.308,平均每个位点的等位基因数A=1．3-1．6。在变种水平上,多态位点百分比P＝52．4％,平均每个位点的等位基因数A＝1．8,实际杂合度Ho＝0．272,期望杂合度Ho＝0．216。基因分化系数FST＝0．1928,说明光叶珙桐居群问分化小。各项指标表明光叶珙桐的遗传多样性水平较高,比原变种珙桐高,外部环境可能是影响珙桐分布格局的重要因素。昭通与宝兴的遗传多样性明显高于其他两个居群,遗传多样性保存较为完整,而处于分布区东、西两侧边缘(云南西北部和湖北五峰)遗传多样性则相对较低,推测四川盆地边缘山地是该种的遗传多样化中心,可能是在地质灾难中(如第四纪冰期),光叶珙桐真正的避难所。分布区东西两侧的居群可能是从四川盆地边缘山地扩散而来。     

病原真菌生态学研究现状及方法

通过形态学、生理生化学及分子生物学等方法鉴定由自然界分离的真菌菌种,构建系统发生树,了解菌种间亲缘关系,评估种间和种内的进化规律,了解真菌与其所处环境的相互关系,是真菌生态学的主要研究目的之一。本文就真菌与自然界和动物宿主的相互关系,环境中真菌的分离和鉴定方法及系统发生学研究及现状进行综述,以期了解致病真菌的生存环境、种类发生、感染途径等,达到尽早控制感染源、探讨致病性及防治疾病传播的目的。     

入侵植物与丛枝菌根真菌的相互作用

入侵植物的入侵改变了入侵地生物群落的结构,导致生物多样性的丧失.丛枝菌根真菌(AMF)作为陆地生态系统中土壤微生物普遍的组成部分,它的种类和组成能够影响入侵植物的生长表现.这种真菌与寄主(入侵植物)特殊的关系也暗示了AMF能够影响入侵植物的入侵.反之,入侵植物的入侵同样也会影响AMF的群落结构和功能.本文在简要总结我国入侵植物种类及其危害的基础上,着重探讨了AMF与入侵植物入侵之间的关系,即AMF对入侵植物入侵过程中的作用、入侵植物入侵后如何影响AMF以及两者之间的相互作用机制.     

Factors affecting the distribution of lignicolous marine fungi in Hong Kong

An investigation into the effect of environmental factors on the general distribution and occurrence of lignicolous marine fungi using submerged blocks of pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) and teak (Tectona grandis L.) was carried out for 18 months in the coastal waters of Hong Kong. Five test sites, with environmental conditions varying from estuarine to oceanic, and from polluted to non-polluted, were selected. During each collection, salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate-nitrogen, inorganic phosphate-phosphorus and light transmission were measured. A total of 51 species of fungi were recorded among which only 28 were either obligate or facultative marine forms. Neither the general distribution pattern nor the distribution of the more frequent fungi could be solely accounted for by differences in salinity at the test sites and it is suggested that other ecological factors such as heavy sediments in the waters, low pH, and the presence of an abundant source of inocula may be important.     

Diversity of facultatively anaerobic microscopic mycelial fungi in soils

The numbers of microscopic fungi isolated from soil samples after anaerobic incubation varied from tens to several hundreds of CFU per one gram of soil; a total of 30 species was found. This group is composed primarily of mitotic fungi of the ascomycete affinity belonging to the orders Hypocreales (Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, Fusarium sp., Clonostachys grammicospora, C. rosea, Acremonium sp., Gliocladium penicilloides, Trichoderma aureoviride, T. harzianum, T. polysporum, T. viride, T. koningii, Lecanicillum lecanii, and Tolypocladium inflatum) and Eurotiales (Aspergillus terreus, A. niger, and Paecilomyces lilacimus), as well as to the phylum Zygomycota, to the order Mucorales (Actinomucor elegans, Absidia glauca, Mucor circinelloides, M. hiemalis, M. racemosus, Mucor sp., Rhizopus oryzae, Zygorrhynchus moelleri, Z. heterogamus, and Umbelopsis isabellina) and the order Mortierellales (Mortierella sp.). As much as 10–30% of the total amount of fungal mycelium remains viable for a long time (one month) under anaerobic conditions.