Abstract
SUMMARY: The influence of zinc, lead and cadmium contamination on the phylloplane microflora of Lolium perenne growing at various distances from a smelting complex was investigated. Bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi were isolated using a leaf washing method, and relative metal tolerance was assessed by the incorporation of zinc, lead and cadmium salts into the growth media. Numbers of fungal propagules were also assessed by direct observation of leaf segments. Non-pigmented yeasts of the genus Cryptococcus were particularly tolerant to the metals, both in vitro and in vivo. Bacteria were less tolerant in vitro, but populations in the field were found even under the highest levels of metal contamination. Filamentous fungi were more tolerant than bacteria to heavy metals in vitro but population levels appeared to be particularly influenced by lead contamination on the leaf surface.
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