Chapter 3 - Fungi and fungus-like microorganisms in Philippine marine ecosystems

Abstract

The Philippines is recognized as one of the most biodiverse systems, yet studies on marine microorganisms, particularly on marine fungi and fungal-like organisms, are still considered limited and underexplored. Marine fungi and fungal-like organisms are those that thrive in marine or estuarine environments. They are either dwelling on submerged muddy soil, roots, stems, twigs, and leaves or on the lower stem, branches, and upper parts of the roots above the water surface. Fungi and fungal-like microorganisms have ecological importance in the fitness and survival of the marine ecosystem as they commonly occur as saprophytes on leaf and litter decomposition, as symbionts of plants and animals, and as parasites of plants. These microbes are also involved in the production of secondary metabolites. This chapter describes the fungi and fungal-like species, including the marine yeasts, marine-derived fungi, marine endophytes, and mangrove oomycetes studied in the Philippines, focusing on their occurrence, distribution, and ecological roles, and valuable importance to society.