Estimation and Diversity of Phylloplane Mycobiota on Selected Plants in a Mediterranean-Type Ecosystem in Portugal

Abstract

Mediterranean ecosystems have not been consistently investigated as natural habitats for microbes in general, and fungi in particular. Here we present the results of a survey of epiphytic mycobiota (filamentous fungi and yeasts) on the phylloplane of selected plants in the Arrábida Natural Park, an ecosystem of Mediterranean characteristics in Portugal, using conventional culture-dependent isolation methods. Leaves from the species Acer monspessulanum and Quercus faginea (deciduous trees) and Cistus albidus, Pistacia lentiscus, and Osyris quadripartita (evergreen shrubs) were collected twice a year for two consecutive years, at two distinct locations of Serra da Arrábida: the more humid northern slope and the drier southern slope. A total of 1029 strains of filamentous fungi and 540 strains of yeasts were isolated, which represented at least 36 and 46 distinct species, respectively. Total counts were higher on the plants from the northern slope and there was a general increase from spring to autumn, notably on the deciduous trees for the yeasts. Plant species that had higher numbers of leaf colonists (A. monspessulanum, C. albidus, and Q. faginea) also yielded a wider range of species. Among the filamentous fungi there was a predominance of species of ascomycetous affinity, whereas basidiomycetous species dominated among yeast isolates. Some of the taxa recovered were common to other phylloplane studies (e.g., ubiquitous molds and yeasts such as Cladosporium spp. and Cryptococcus spp., respectively), but less common species were also found, some of which appeared to represent undescribed taxa. Interestingly, a few species seemed to be associated with a particular plant, notably in the case of the evergreen shrub C. albidus. However, for a considerable number of fungi and yeasts the same taxon was recovered throughout the year from more than one plant and at both sites, suggesting that such species might be genuine phylloplane inhabitants (or at least of aerial plant surfaces) even though they appeared not to display host specificity.

Concentration and Size Distribution of Culturable Airborne Microorganisms in Outdoor Environments in Beijing, China

“…During vigorous plant growth the leaf can provide a surface for fungal proliferation there by contributing greatly to the concentration of air fungal spores (Levetin and Dorsey 2006). The plant phylloplane or leaf surface, which is a habitat characterized by complex interactions between the host plant and phyllosphere microorganisms, can provide nutrients exuded from the leaf (Inacio et al 2002), and allow for the growth of saprophytic and parasitic fungi (Picco and Rodolfi 2000). Various plants can be infected with fungal plant pathogens Fusarium and Alternaria, which can be dispersed into the air.…”

Comparative Study ofFungal Diversity and Heavy MetalContent in Street Trees in Cairo and RiyadhCities

“…This area was originally named the 'phyllosphere' [18] but is also referred to as the 'phylloplane' [19]. The impact of phyllosphere attached particles is often neglected in studies regarding of the atmosphere [20,21] including their impact on the environment and human health.Urban street trees such as Ficus nitida and Conocarpuserectus act as an efficient biological filters that remove air pollutants in crowded areas. These two species are widely used in arid land cities for provision of shade.…”

Responses of Phyllosphere Microbial Population of Some Common Road Trees In Relation To Dust Deposition – A Case Study in Kolkata, India

“…Different studies have been revealed that bacteria are the most dominant microbes on phyllosphere, average population is 10 6 -10 7 CFU cmˉ² (up to 10 8 CFU per gram) of leaf [4,5]. It is also noticed that the presence of culturable bacteria is ranging between 10 2 and 10 12 cells per gram of leaf in arid conditions of Mediterranean summer [6][7][8]. The growth of phylloplane microbes generally depends on various biotic and abiotic factors.…”