Abstract
Relative effect of some physico-chemical parameters of water on the occurrence of water borne fungi was studied in a high altitudinal wetland. The number of conidial fungal species was enumerated in water samples collected monthly during the period of March 2008-February 2009. There was marked seasonal fluctuation in the occurrence number of individuals in each species. The maximum number of individuals was found during summer to early autumn, while there was a decline in the number of individuals during late autumn and early winter seasons. Principal component analysis showed a high inverse relationship between number of fungal species and pH and dissolved oxygen, while abundance was positively related to temperature, nitrate nitrogen and total phosphorus clustered together. Finally, it seems from the results that fungal communities are more influenced by the seasonal variation. More studies should be carried out to elucidate the effects of water variables on the community structure of fungi in other water systems in Kashmir Himalayas. Key words: water borne fungi, water systems, fungal species, seasonal variation.
Highlights
The aquatic ecosystem comprises of variety of biota
Principal component analysis showed a high inverse relationship between number of fungal species and pH and dissolved oxygen, while abundance was positively related to temperature, nitrate nitrogen and total phosphorus clustered together
Water temperature of wetland recorded during the study period indicates a marked seasonal variation (Table 1)
Summary
The aquatic ecosystem comprises of variety of biota. Fungal community is one of them. Principal component analysis showed a high inverse relationship between number of fungal species and pH and dissolved oxygen, while abundance was positively related to temperature, nitrate nitrogen and total phosphorus clustered together. Fluctuation in temperature, hydrogen-ion concentration, oxygen content, dissolved organic and inorganic matter, phosphate and sulphate concentration have been found to be important factors for the occurrence and distribution of individual species of water borne conidial fungi in the fresh water stream (Ingold, 1975; Nilsson, 1964).
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