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

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