Aquatic hyphomycetes associated with plant debris in freshwater ecosystems of the Atlantic Forest of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aquatic hyphomycetes decompose submerged detritus in aquatic ecosystems making organic matter more nutritious and palatable for consumption by aquatic invertebrates. They can be classified into three ecological groups based on their morphology and form of sporulation: aero-aquatic fungi, facultative aquatic fungi and Ingoldian fungi. The current study provides an inventory of aquatic hyphomycetes associated with submerged debris (leaves and twigs) of streams and lakes in the Atlantic Forest of Rio Grande do Norte. In addition, new records for the area are described. Substrate collections were carried out in eight streams and two lakes. Two methodologies were used for the analysis of decomposing substrates: moist chamber and submerged incubation. Seventy-seven taxa were found, distributed in 49 genera of aquatic hyphomycetes associated with plant debris in water bodies of the Atlantic Forest of Rio Grande do Norte. Sixteen taxa are new records for Rio Grande do Norte, two are new records for Brazil (Gyrothrix encephalarti and Triscelophorus konajensis) and one for the Americas (Flagellospora minuta). The study demonstrated a high species richness of aquatic hyphomycetes for the Atlantic Forest of Rio Grande do Norte and can serve as a model for studies on the conservation of Funga in these areas.