Myxobiota of the İskenderun Gulf (Mediterranean Sea/Türkiye) and its Environment

Abstract

This study aims to determine the myxobiota of the İskenderun Gulf and its environment. This study was carried out on samples collected from 9 different stations in the İskenderun Gulf district in 2019-2022. Myxomycetes samples were collected from leaves, tree bark, and decayed and non-rotting plant materials. This aim is to detect both the myxobiota of this region and the halophytic myxomycetes species. The collected samples have developed myxomycete sporophores by using the moist chamber technique. In addition, myxomycetes which were developed in their natural environment were collected. As a result of the field and laboratory studies, 161 samples from different localities were collected and processed and 111 myxomycete samples were obtained from these samples. 41 species belonging to 6 ordo, 12 families, and 20 genera have been defined. 3 species were obtained only from the natural environment, 30 species were obtained only from moist chamber culture, and 8 species were obtained from both moist chamber culture and natural area. Arcyria cinerea, Didymium difforme, D. squamulosum, and Physarum pusillum were determined as abundant. While the number of species is rare in the seaside regions, it was observed that the further away from the sea, the number of species increased, especially in forest areas. A. cinerea, D. difforme, and D. dubium are the most common species on the beach and near the seaside. While cosmopolitan species were observed in abundance, Physarida members were found to be common in this results area. This study has contributed to the myxobiota of Türkiye.