Abstract
The present paper reports on a quantitative ecological investigation of the hitherto unknown soil mycoflora of the desert of Kuwait. Three macrophytic communities are recognised, chiefly on the basis of the dominant plants, and the mycoflora of the top soils isolated. The three communities are that of Cyperus conglomeratus, that of Rhanterium epapposum and that of Hammada salicornica. A total of 59 fungal genera and 130 species is isolated. The community of Hammada shows the narrowest spectrum (35 genera and 81 species) while that of Rhanterium exhibits the widest spectrum (45 genera and 101 species). Total counts range from 9911 to 15,345 colonies/g oven-dry soil, with no difference between the communities. The most frequent genera are Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys, Myrothecium, Vlocladium, Phoma and Alternaria. The fungal flora in our desert is compared with those of other arid regions. The importance of melanin pigmentation and the coexistence of both adapted and non-adapted forms is discussed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
