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Rare or remarkable microfungi from Oaxaca (south Mexico)--Part II
N Ale-Agha1, M Jensen, M Brassmann
1Department of General Botany, University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, 45117 Essen, Germany. nosratollah.ale-agha@uni-due.de
Communications in Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences
|February 21, 2009
Summary
This study identified diverse microfungi, including new Mexican records, on various plants in Oaxaca, Mexico. Laboratory findings on Colletotrichum lindemuthianum were validated in field conditions.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
- Biodiversity
Background:
- Previous research (Part I) focused on microfungi associated with Acacia myrmecophytes in Oaxaca.
- This study (Part II) expands the investigation to a broader range of wild and cultivated plants.
- Microfungi play crucial roles as parasites or saprophytes in ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and identify microfungi associated with various plant families in southern Mexico.
- To investigate the ecological relevance of laboratory findings on plant-fungal interactions.
- To report new records of microfungi for Mexico.
Main Methods:
- Collection of microfungi from diverse plant parts in Oaxaca, Mexico.
- Identification of fungal species belonging to Ascomycotina, Basidiomycotina, and Deuteromycotina.
- Comparison of field observations with laboratory-induced infections, specifically for Colletotrichum lindemuthianum on Phaseolus lunatus.
Main Results:
- A diverse array of parasitic and saprophytic microfungi were identified.
- The study confirmed field occurrences of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum on Phaseolus lunatus, validating laboratory results.
- Several microfungi, including Cercosporella leucaenae, Camptomeris leucaenae, and Phakopsora cf. pachyrhizi, were reported as new to Mexico.
Conclusions:
- The study significantly contributes to the knowledge of Mexican microfungal diversity.
- Field validation of laboratory-derived plant-fungal interaction data is crucial for ecological understanding.
- The findings highlight the importance of continued mycological surveys in under-explored regions.
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