Potential roles for recently discovered chytrid parasites in the dynamics of harmful algal blooms

Abstract

Zoosporic true fungi belonging to the phylum Chytridiomycota, commonly referred to as chytrids, are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, however their role in phytoplankton population and eco-physiological dynamics is not fully understood. With the rising occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) of phytoplankton worldwide, there is a growing need to investigate the factors affecting toxicity in algae, with a view to determining the significance of these factors in light of the current trends in global climate change. In this review we present current knowledge regarding the parasitism of phytoplankton by chytrids, including incidence of chytrid epidemics, methodologies used in their isolation and classification, their life cycles and infection strategies, and their potential role in toxin production in algae. We outline key areas in phytoplankton host–parasite dynamics that are poorly understood, discuss the potential roles of chytrids in these areas, and highlight future research directions for the furthering of our knowledge regarding algal ecophysiology. The synthesis of current knowledge in these fields will help researchers develop new hypotheses to further our understanding of primary production in aquatic ecology, and thus enhance our understanding of aquatic ecology, for more effective management of aquatic ecosystems.