Zoosporic aquatic fungi growing on avian excrements in various types of water bodies

Abstract

Coprophilic fungi in the water from six different water bodies were studied between 1995–1997. For hydrochemical analysis samples of water were collected every three months while for estimation of fungus content every month. Excrements of 3 phytophagous (greylag goose, roman-nosed goose, mute swan), 4 carnivorous (grey heron, white stork, marsh harrier, cormorant) and 3 omnivorous bird species (musk-duck, mallard, black-headed gull) were used as bait. Thirty-six fungus species growing on avian excrements in the water of all examined water bodies were found, 6 of these species belonged to Chytridiomycetes and 30 to Oomycetes. The largest number of fungus species was detected on excrements of musk duck, mallard and mute swan, the smallest one on excrements of roman-nosed goose, marsh harrier and cormorant. Such fungus species as Achlya americana, Aphanomyces laevis, Dictyuchus monosporus, Pythium debaryanum, Pythium rostratum, Saprolegnia asterophora, Saprolegnia ferax and Saprolegnia parasitica were detected on excrements of all birds examined. Out of these 36 species, 11 are known as parasites or necrotrophs of fish. Rhizophydium ampullaceum and Diasporangium jonesianum are reported for the first time from Poland.