Taxonomic and ecologic observations of zoosporic fungi in soils of a high-arctic ecosystem

Abstract

Phylctochytrium arcticum Barr and Rhizophlyctis harderi Uebelmesser are reported as additional taxa in soils of Truelove Lowland (Devon Island, N.W.T.) and Nowakowskiella spp., Olpidium pendulum Zopf, Pythium irregularae Buisman. Pythium spp., Phlyctochytrium arcticum, and Rhizophydium sphaerotheca Zopf are readily detectable as active organisms in Lowland microhabitats. Species diversity is greatest in mesic and warm soils and species composition of water-logged soils is different than dry soils. Soil acidity effects on distribution are discussed and autecological considerations of Nowakowskiella elegans and R. sphaerotheca with respect to pH, percentage N, C, and P, milliequivalents Ca2+ and Mg2+, moisture, and temperature are presented.