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Pellet size affects mycelial ergosterol content in aquatic hyphomycetes
Neelavar S Raviraja1, Liliya G Nikolcheva, Felix Bärlocher
1Department of Biological Sciences, Mangalore University, Mangalagangotri, D.K. 574 199, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Mycologia
|December 15, 2010
Summary
Fungal biomass estimation using ergosterol can be misleading. Pellet size significantly impacts ergosterol concentration per mass, affecting fungal biomass calculations in aquatic hyphomycetes.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Environmental Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ergosterol is a key fungal biomarker used to estimate fungal biomass.
- Aquatic hyphomycetes play crucial roles in aquatic ecosystems.
- Accurate quantification of fungal biomass is essential for ecological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between ergosterol concentration and the size of fungal pellets in aquatic hyphomycetes.
- To assess the impact of pellet size on ergosterol-based fungal biomass estimations.
Main Methods:
- Seven species of aquatic hyphomycetes were cultured in malt-extract broth.
- Mycelial pellets harvested after 21 days were separated into 5-6 size classes.
- Ergosterol content was measured in each size class.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was observed between ergosterol per unit mass and pellet diameter in most species.
- Failure to account for pellet size can lead to inaccurate conclusions about ergosterol-fungal mass relationships.
- Highest ergosterol concentrations were approximately double the commonly used average for biomass conversion.
Conclusions:
- Pellet size is a critical factor influencing ergosterol concentration in aquatic hyphomycetes.
- Standard methods for fungal biomass estimation may require adjustments to account for size-dependent ergosterol variations.
- Further research is needed to refine ergosterol-based biomass quantification in environmental samples.
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