On aquatic hyphomycetes: a literature review and field investigation in lotic waters around Durham City

Abstract

This dissertation contains a review of much of the recent literature on the nature and ecology of those imperfect fungi known as aquatic Hyphomycetes, and an account of a field investigation of these fungi in flowing waters in, and around Durham City. The review discusses the fungi themselves: their morphology, physiology and ecology. Their particular role as decomposers of deciduous leaves in lotic freshwater is highlighted through a discussion of decomposition in aquatic habitats, the role of fungi in the initial breakdown of plant material, and the importance of fungi as intermediates in the further breakdown of plant detritus. Field and laboratory methods useful in the study of fungal ecology are discussed. The field investigation, carried out in late summer and early autumn, is of the flora and spora of 7 lotic sites of differing character, including a main river; certain of its tributaries, and a woodland stream. A combination of complimentary methods is used to build up a picture of the floras and spora. Filtration of water and examination of foam provide information on aquatic Hyphomycete spores whilst the observation of submerged leaf material (Acer pseudoplatanus), before and after incubation, provides information on impacted spores and growing fungi. The floras and sporas recorded for the different sites, on the different dates, and by the different methods are compared and contrasted.