The genus Allomyces (Blastocladiomycota) in the State of Piauí, Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT Brazilian ecosystems have been intensively exploited for agricultural expansion, however, the diversity of zoosporic organisms in such biomes remains little known. Therefore, further research is required to better understand their role within these ecosystems. Studies with zoosporic fungi were carried out and 22 Allomyces isolates were obtained from soil samples collected at six municipalities from Piauí State. After identification procedures, the taxa were grouped into four species: A. anomalus R. Emers., A. arbusculus E.J. Butler, A. moniliformis Coker & Braxton, and A. neomoniliformis Indoh. A. arbusculus had the highest rate of resistant sporangia viability (10%) and the largest geographical distribution in Piauí, occurring in seven out of ten sites studied. Countrywide, they occur within 14 municipalities from three states. Greater knowledge about the geographical distribution of Allomyces in Brazil is being pioneered in the State of Piauí. Novel information regarding the diversity and occurrence, as well as taxonomic characteristics of the isolates is presented herein.