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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
12:05
A Workflow for the Quantitative Assessment of the Endophytic and Epiphytic Bacterial Microbiomes of the Bark of Populus trichocarpa
Published on: June 27, 2025
Trichocomaceae in bark survive high temperatures and fire
Peter A McGee1, Anne-Laure Markovina, Grace C E Jeong
1School of Biological Sciences A12, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. peterm@bio.usyd.edu.au
FEMS Microbiology Ecology
|May 13, 2006
Summary
Fungi from the Trichocomaceae family, including anamorphic and teleomorphic species, can survive extreme heat on dry tree bark. This resilience was observed in arid and temperate Australian regions, even after a fire event.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- The Trichocomaceae family encompasses numerous fungal species with diverse ecological roles.
- Understanding fungal resilience to extreme environmental conditions, such as high temperatures and fire, is crucial for ecological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the survival and recovery of Trichocomaceae fungi from tree bark under extreme temperature conditions.
- To assess the heat tolerance of both anamorphic and teleomorphic fungal states.
Main Methods:
- Fungal species were isolated from tree and shrub bark collected from arid and temperate regions of Australia.
- Bark samples were incubated at high temperatures (up to 105°C) for 1 hour.
- Conidia of recovered species were further tested for regeneration on agar after heat treatment.
Main Results:
- Fifty-six Trichocomaceae species were recovered from dry bark, with many surviving incubation at 105°C.
- Fourteen species regenerated on agar after their conidia were heated to 105°C.
- Anamorphic fungi were commonly recovered and also found after a natural fire, while teleomorphic fungi required heat treatment for recovery.
Conclusions:
- Both anamorphic and teleomorphic fungi within the Trichocomaceae family exhibit remarkable tolerance to extreme temperatures when dry.
- These findings suggest that fungi can persist in harsh environments, potentially playing a role in post-disturbance ecological succession.
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