Relative abundance and activity of melanized hyphae in different soil ecosystems

A. Van der Wal, J. Bloem, C.H. Mulder, W. De Boer

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    Abstract

    Here we report on the frequency of melanized fungal hyphae in 323 soils, covering different land use types. The proportion of total hyphae that was melanized averaged 61%. Arable fields with loamy sand, heathlands and city parks on sandy soils had the highest percentage of melanized hyphae. In addition to the frequency determinations, a microcosm study was performed on the role of melanized hyphae in two different ecosystems: an ex-arable field and a forest. Melanized hyphae appeared to be part of the active hyphae in the forest soil but not in the ex-arable soil. In conclusion, our results indicate that (1) melanized hyphae represent a large proportion of the total fungal biomass in soils and that (2) their function might differ between ecosystems.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)417-419
    JournalSoil Biology & Biochemistry
    Volume41
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2009

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