Studies on aquatic fungi in delta region (Egypt)

Zentralbl. Mikrobiol. 144 (1989), 421-432 VEB Gustav Fischer Verlag lena

[Botany Dept. , Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt]

Studies on Aquatic Fungi in Delta Region (Egypt) FARlDAT. EL-HISSY and A. M . A. KHALLIL With I Figure

Summary 117 species and 2 varieties related to 2,712 colonies in addition to 99 1 unidentified colonies of the genera Achlya, Saprolegnia, Pythium and Phytophth ora were recovered in this investigation. The richest season (94 species , 1,018 colonies) was autumn and the poorest (58 species, 720 colonies) was summer. The richest samples were generally characterized by comperatively high amounts of organic matter, high oxygen content, low contents of salts and low to moderate temperature. The pH value did not show any regular seasonal variation and did not exhibit any considerable influence on fungal population. The fungal species which possess centric or subcentric oospores prevailed in low or moderate temperature season and those which possess eccentric oospores prevailed in summer season. 12 species disappeared completely in summer and 7 in winter. Some species appeared only in spring and autumn and others . appeared althrough the year. In estuarine sites of both Nile branches, no Saprolegniaceae appeared in salinity exceeding 1.5% whereas some species which belong to Peronosporales and Chytridiales appeared but only in a limited occurrence.

Zusammenfassung In den vorliegenden Untersuchungen wurden aus Wasserproben 2 712 Kolonien isoliert, die 117 Arlen aus 2 Varietaten zugeordnet wurden . 991 Kolonien konnten nicht naher identifiziert werde n, sie gehoren den Gattungen Achlya, Saprolegnia, Pythium und Phytophthora an. Im Herbst war die Pilzpopulation mit 94 Arlen bzw. 1018 Kolonien groBer a1s im Sommer mit nur 58 Arten bzw. 720 Kolonien. Die artenreichsten Wasserproben zeichneten sich im allgemeinen durch hohe Gehalte an organischem Material und O2 , geringen Salzgehalten und niedrige bis mittlere Temperaturen aus. Der pH zeigte keine saisonbedingten Schwankungen und auch keinen Einfluf auf die Pilzpopulation. Die Pilzarten mit zentralen und subzentralen Oosporen herrschten bei niedrigen und mittleren Temperaturen vor, wahrend die mit exzentrischen Oosporen insbesondere im Sommer vorkamen. 12 Arten traten nicht im Sommer und 7 nicht im Winter auf. Andere Arten kamen nur im Friihjahr und Herbst vor und wieder andere waren ganzjahrig vertreten. In den Meeresbuchten beider Nilarmc, wo der Salzgehalt 1,5 % iibersteigt , kamen keine Saprolegn iaceae vor, wahrend einige Peronosporales- und Chytridiales-Arten, jedoch nur mit geringer Haufigkeit, anzutreffen waren.

Aquatic fungi can be recovered form all kinds of aquatic habitats. This group of fungi occurs on a wide variety of substrata, principally in fresh but also, though to a lesser extent, in marine waters. The distribution, occurrence and periodicity of these fungi in relation to water characteristics as well as to the various geographical regions have been intensively studied (e.g. COKER 1923; LUND 1978; JOHNSON 1977; WILLOUGHBYet al. 1983 ; HUNTER 1975; HOHNK 1935, 1939; ULKEN 1974, 1983; ZEBROWSKA 1976; SPARROW 1968; KLICK and TIFFANY 1985 ; TE STRAKE 1959, 1980; PADGETT 1978; AMON 1976,1978; BARR 1969; CARRANCO et al. 1984; WOLF 1939 ; ROSSy-VALDERRAMA 1970; KARLING 1968; CHEIN 1974; CHOWDHERY and RAI 1980; RATTAN et al. 1978, 1980 and ALABII973). In Egypt, some investigations on aquatic fungi in the Nile system, submerged mud and soil in Upper Egypt were performed (EL-HISSY 1974, 1979a, b, c; EL-HISSY et al. 1982; EL-HISSY and

4 22

F. T. EL-HISSY and A . M. A . KIIALLIL

Fig . I . A map showing the different localities of Delta region from which the water samples were collected .

EL-NAGDY 1983; EL-NAGDY 1985 ; KHALLIL 1984; EL-HISSY and ABD-ELAAH 1987). However, these fungi were not investigated in Delta region including both branches of the Nile (Damietta and Rosetta and their estuaries), irrigat ion canals and closed ponds. Thus , the aim of the present work was to study the seasonal occurrence of aquati c zoosp oric fungi in various water areas in Delta region in relation to some water characteristics.

Materials and Methods Damietta and Rosetta branches of the river Nile in Egypt which extend from El-Kanater to the Mediterranean Sea (each about 232 km) are the main sources of irrigation water in the Delta region. The lower parts of both branches are cut-off from the river but remaining freely connected to the sea . While the Damietta branch estuary is more or less isolated from the river Nile by a perman ent earthen! dam ; the Farskour Embankment , the Rosetta estuary is controlled by Edfina barrage through which freshwater is released at definite periods every year. Surface water samples were collected seasonally from 45 water sites (see the map) during the period from winter 198411 985 to autumn 1985.10 water samples (1-10) were seasonally collected at 10 successive sites along Damietta branch ; 5 (1-5) before Farskour Embankment (freshwater) and 5 (6- 10) between the Embankment and Mediterranean Sea (brakish-water). Nine water samples (11-1 9) were collected at 9 successive sites along Rosetta branch; 5 (11- 15) between El-Kanater and Edfina barrage (freshwater) and found between Edfina barrage and the sea (brakish-water). 26 surface water samples (20-45) were also collected season ally at 26 water sites covering the different water habitats (irrigation canals, drainage canals and closed bonds) in Delta region. Temperature , pH value and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ . The total soluble salts and organic matter contents were determined in the laboratory. The water samples were brought to the laboratory in sterile conical flasks (one liter capacity each) containing previously sterilized halves of germinating hemp and sesame seeds and barley and maize grai ns (KHALLIL 1984). In

Studies on Aquatic Fungi

423

addition, snake skin and pinus pollen grains, which proved to be the best for the recovery of chytridiales (SPARROW 1968), were used. For the determ ination offungal popula tion (densi ty), the fungal species appearing on one plate was counted as one colony. Parasitic and saprophyt ic chytrids were identified by immediate microscopic examination of algal cells, grasses and suspended plant parts as well as water microscopic animal s.

Results and Discussion 117 species and 2 fungal varieties in addition to some unidentified colonies (without sexual organs) belonging to 38 genera were reco vered during this investigation. The majority of these genera and species were previously recorded in Upper Egypt (EL-HISSY 1974 ; EL-HISSY et al. 1982), Ibrahimia canal (KHALLIL 1984), closed ponds (EL-NAGDY 1985), soil and the worms (EL-HISSY 1979 c) and from mud and wetted culti vated soils (KHALLIL 1984 ; EL-HISSY and EL-NAGDY 198 3 ; EL-HISSY and ABD-ELAAH 1987). 25 aquatic fungal speci es were recorded for the first time in Egypt during this inve stigation. The most common genera were Pythium, Achlya, Dictyuchus, Saprolegnia and Phytophthora representing 76.67%, 75 .56 %, 71.67%, 60 .56% and 4 1.67 % of total samples, respectively. Seasonal variations Th e fungal population and diversity exhibited a mark ed seas onal variation. The riche st seaso ns were autumn (94 species, 1,018 colonies), winter (84 species, 985 coloni es) and spring (92 species, 980 coloni es). During these seasons, the water temperature was low or moderate (15- 23 °C) and the contents of organic matter (191 -493 mg/l ) and dissolved oxygen (95- 110 ppm ) were comparatively high. Summer was the poorest season in aquatic fungi (58 species, 720 colonies) . This season is generally char acterized by high temperature (25 - 27 .5 "C) and relati vely high content of soluble salts (0 .714 - 33.25 gil ). Similar results were obtained by many authors studying the seasonal periodicity of aquatic fungi in various water habit ats. In this respect, FORBES (1935a, b) who studied many ponds in Manchester district in U.K ., reported a marked periodic variation in abundance, which con sisted of a gradual increase in number of record s up to a maximum , sometimes durin g winter, and then a corresponding decrease until the species may apparentl y disappe ar altogether in summer. PERROTT (1960) and ROBERTS (196 3) have found 2 periods of growth, one in autumn and the other in spring. However, some other obse rvations recorded somewhat incosistent results (WATERHOUSE 1942; SRIV ASTAV A 1967 ; OKANE 1978; MISRA 1982 ; COOKE 1954 ; DICK and NEWBY 1961; ROONEY and McKNIGHT 1972). This inconsistency could be due to the difference in temperature of the vario us geograph ical region s subjec ted to investigation. It is worthy to ment ion that species with centric or subcentric oospores were recovered predominantly during the low or moderate seasons. On the other hand species having eccentric oospores were predominantly in summer season. This is in accordance with the results obta ined by COKER (1923 ) in Carolina, ROONEY and McKNIGHT(1972) in Utah, MAESTRES and NOLAN (1978) in New Foundland , KLICK and TIFFANY (1985), Fox and WOLF (1977) in Tennessee, USA , LUND (1934) in Denmark, ALABI (1971 b) in Nigeria and Er.-Hrssv et al. ( 1982), EL-HISSY and EL-NAGDY (1983), KHALLIL (1984), EL-HISSY and ABD-ELAAH (1987) in Egypt. However, HUGHES (1962 ), DICK and NEWBY (1961) and RATTAN et al. ( 1980) menti oned that species with centric and subcentric oo spores exhibited seasonal period icity while those with eccentric oos pores did not exhib it any seaso nal fluctuations. Regional variations Many zoosporic fungi showed a specific distribution in the various inve stigated water habit ats. In this respect , 31 funga l spec ies and one variety (Table 1) disappeared completely from both

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Total

Species

Achlya A. americana A. apiculata A. cambrica A. caroliniana A. colorata A. conspicua A. debaryana A. diffusa A. dubia A. flagellata A. glomerata A. hypogyna A. imperfecta A. klebsiana A. megasperma A. oblongata var. gigantica A. oligacantha A. orion A. papillosa A. polyandra A. prolifera A. proliferoides A. racemosa A. radiosa A. treleasana Achlya species Saprolegnia S. anisospora S. delica

11 0 0 4 4 12 8 4 0 50 143 3 0

5 0 0 2 2 4 4 2 0 17 17 I 0

17 2 1 0 0 1 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 3 I 0 0

40

689

127 4 3 0 0 2 3 6 3 3 2 0 0 6 2 0 0

0

TC

Damietta

River Nile

R

M M

-

R R R R R

-

-

L

-

R R

-

R -

R R R R R

-

R -

R

M

OR

0 0 0 10 2 17 7 3 0 40 104 5 0

99 2 3 0 2 3 0 4 1 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 0

526

TC

Rosetta

0 0 0 4 1 8 3 1 0 16 18 2 0

18 I 2 0 I 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 I 0 0

36

0

R

M H

-

R R

L

R R

-

R

-

R R R

-

R

R

R

H R

OR

30 14 8 15 16 53 36 9 8 232 477 13 9

561 10 10 18 8 0 11 18 0 8 16 2 10 0 9 10 10

2488

TC

15 9 4 8 10 25 20 6 5 89 74 7 5

101 5 5 8 4 0 7 7 0 5 11 1 6 0 5 7 6

104

0

H H R R

L R R R R M L R R

R R R

-

R R R R

R R

R

H R R R

OR

Other sources in Delta

41 14 8 29 22 82 51 16 8 322 724 21 9

787 16 16 18 10 5 14 28 4 14 18 2 10 6 13 10 10

3703

Count

Total

1.11 0.38 0.22 0.78 0.59 2.21 1.38 • 0.43 0.22 8.70 19.55 0.67 0.24

21.25 0.43 0.43 0.49 0.27 0.14 0.38 0.76 0.11 0.38 0.49 0.05 0.27 0.15 0.35 0.27 0.27

100

Percentage

20 9 4 14 13 37 27 9 5 122 109 10 5

136 8 8 18 5 2 8 10 2 7 12 I 6 3 7 7 6

180

Occourrenee

11.11 5.00 2.22 7.78 7.22 21.11 15.00 5.00 2.78 67.78 60.56 5.56 2.78

75.56 4.44 4.44 10.00 2.78 1.11 4.44 5.00 1.11 3.89 6.67 0.56 3.33 1.67 3.89 3.89 3.33

100

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R

R R

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R R R R

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R R R

H R

OR

Table 1. Total count (TC) and occurrence (0) of aquatic fungi in 180 surface water samples collected from different water habitats in Delta region, Damietta branch (40 samples); Rosetta branch (36 samples), irrigation and drainage canals and closed ponds (104 samples) during the period from winter 1984/85 to autumn 1985.

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Isoachlya I . unispora Leptolegnia L. caudata

A . laevis A . stellat us Brevilegnia B . linearis B. unisperma B . unisperma ver . delica Calyptralegnia C. achlyoides C. ripariensis

Aphanom y ces

D. D. D. D. D. D. D.

Dictyuch us

S. diclina S. eccentrica S. ferax S. furca ta S. glom erata S. hypogyna S. litoralis S. megasp erma S. monoi ca S. parasitica S. subt erranea S. terrestris - 6. S. turfosa -x S. uliginosa -x -AX S. unispora -AX S. richteri -A x Sapro legnia sp.

-x AO X -A X -X AX -A -A x -X AX -X -A x

8 0 42 4 0 7 4 0 3 9 3 0 5 4 0 0 51 106 0 12 6 3 0 6 79 5 3 2 2 0 2 0 10 10 0 0 0 6 6

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0 0 37 79 0 9 5 10 3 3 49 0 0 0 6 0 3 3

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5 187 398 12 45 20 31 12 17 261 13 13 0 24 5 16 3 25 22 3 6 6 15 IS

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13 8 4 7 3 7 4 68 90 7 19 13 20 9 9 77 7 7 0 12 3 7 2

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24 8 187 25 5 23 8 15 6 40 18 6 27 11 11 5 275 583 12 66 31 44 15 26 389 18 16 2 32 5 2 6 36 32 4 8 8 27 27

0.65 0.22 5.05 0.68 0.14 0.62 0.22 0.4 1 0. 16 1.08 0.49 0.16 0.73 0.30 0.30 0. 14 7.43 15.74 0.32 1.78 0.84 1. 19 0.41 0.70 10.50 0.49 0.43 0.05 0.86 0.14 0.57 0. 16 0.97 0.86 0.11 0.2 2 0.22 0.7 3 0.7 3 5 8 2 18 9 4 12 6 7 4 97 129 7 28 18 28 II 15 113 10 9 1 16 3 10 3 15 12 3 3 3 13 13

II

11 5 67 10 3

6.11 2.78 37.22 5.56 0.56 6. 11 2.78 4.44 1.1 1 7.22 5.00 2.22 6.67 3.33 _ 3.89 2.22 53.33 71.67 3.89 15. 56 10.00 15.56 6. 11 8.33 62.78 5.56 5.00 0.56 8.89 1.67 5.56 1.67 8.33 6.67 1.67 1.67 1.67 7. 22 7.22 R R R

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Species

Pythiopsis P. cymosa P. hymphreyana Thraustotheca T. clavata Geolegnia G. septisporangia Thraustochytrium T. aureum T. roseum Leptolegniella L. exosporus L. keratinophilum Leptomitus L. lacteus Apodachlya A. brachynema Rhipidium R. americanum Aqualindrella A. fermentans Olpidiopsis O. achlyae O. pythii O. saprolegniae Phytophthora P. cinchonae P. cryptogea P. oryzae P. gonapodyiedes P. hibernalis

(Table I. Continued)

24 20 4 2 2 0 0 14 12 2 11 6 5 7 7 2 2 8 8 3 3 3 3 0 0 27 5 0 0 2 8

TC

0

Darnietta

8 7 3 1 1 0 0 6 5 1 5 3 2 4 4 1 1 3 3 2 2 1 1 0 0 9 2 0 0 1 4

River Nile

R

R

-

R

L

-

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R R

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OR 5 5 0 5 5 2 2 5 5 0 6 6 0 4 4 0 0 0 0 6 6 4 0 0 4 32 5 0 0 0 5

TC

Rosetta

2 2 0 3 3 1 1 4 4 0 2 2 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 4 4 3 0 0 3 23 2 0 0 0 2

0

R

-

R

H

R

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R R R

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R R

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R R

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R R R

R R

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OR 36 31 5 24 24 0 0 33 22 11 13 7 6 20 20 2 2 7 7 29 29 34 12 10 12 118 20 4 3 5 20

TC

0

16 13 3 12 12 0 0 15 10 5 6 3 3 9 9 1 1 5 5 13 13 14 5 5 6 43 10 2 2 2 8 R M R R R R R

R R

L L L

R R R R R R R R R R

R

L

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Other sources in Delta

65 56 9 31 31 2 2 52 39 13 30 19 11 31 31 4 4 15 15 38 38 41 15 10 16 177 30 4 3 7 33

Count

Total

1.76 1.51 0.25 0.84 0.84 0.05 0.05 1.40 1.05 0.35 0.81 0.51 0.30 0.84 0.84 0.11 0.11 0.41 0.41 1.03 1.03 1.11 0.41 0.27 0.44 4.78 0.81 0.11 0.08 0.19 0.89

Percentage

26 22 6 16 16 1 1 25 19 6 13 8 5 16 16 2 2 8 8 19 19 18 6 5 9 75 14 2 2 3 14

Occourrenee

14.44 12.22 3.33 8.89 8.89 0.56 0.56 13.89 10.56 3.35 7.22 4.44 2.78 8.89 8.89 1.11 1.11 4.44 4.44 10.56 10.56 10.00 3.33 2.78 5.00 41.67 7.78 1.11 1.11 1.67 7.78

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P. primulae P. melongenae P. megosperma P. stellata Phytophth ora sp, Pythium P. ophanidermatum P. debaryanum P. intermedium P. monospermum P. palmivorum P. proliforum P. undulatum P. thala sium P. irregulare P. infl atum P. pulchrum P. rostratum P. carolinianum P. ultimum Pythium sp. Pyth iogeton P. trans versum P. utriform e Woronina W. polycystisin W. saprolegnia Allomyces A . arbuscula A . javanicus A. macrogynu s A . moniliformis Bla stocladia B . bringshemii B. gracile Blas tocladi ella B . emorsonii Caten aria C. anguillulae

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0 0 4 0 8 126 2 0 0 0 0 8 13 8 2 2 2 3 2 14 70 10 10 0 0 0 L H R

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10 57 2 2 0 0 0 7 0 4 3 0 3 3 0 3 3 3 3

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0 0 18 6 42 357 7 4 19 3 7 17 28 32 0 0 0 0 0 33 207 45 38 7 17 17

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5 9 15 16 0 0 0 0 0 16 79 24 20 4 9 9

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0 0 9 2 19 84 4 3 11

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71 22 11 28 10 16 15

2 3 29 6 60 569 13 4 19 3 7 29 44 47 2 2 2 3 3 57 334 57 50 7 17 17 1.92 0.59 0.30 0.76 0.27 0.43 0.41 0.03 0.24 0 .24 0 .27 0 .27

0.05 0.08 0.78 0 .16 1.62 15.37 0. 35 0.11 0.51 0.08 0 .19 0 .78 1.19 1.27 0 .05 0.05 0.05 0.08 0.08 1.54 9.02 1.54 1.35 0.19 0.46 0.46

4 4 4 4

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33 10 6 12 5 9 8

2 28 123 30 26 4 9 9

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14 2 30 138 7 3 II I 5 14 23 24

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18.33 5.56 3.33 6.67 2.78 5.00 4 .44 0 .56 2.22 2.22 2.22 2. 22

0 .56 0.56 7.78 1.11 16.67 76 .67 3.89 1.67 6.11 0.56 2.78 7 .78 12.78 13.33 0 .56 0 .56 0 .56 0 .56 1.11 15.56 68.33 16.67 14.44 2.22 5.00 5.00

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1 1 0 0 10 10 0 0 13 13 6 6 0 0 7 7 0 0 5 5 1 1 0 0

TC

I I 0 0 3 3 0 0 5 5 4 4 0 0 4 4 0 0 3 3 I I 0 0

0

Damietta

River Nile

-

R R

R R

-

R R -

R

R R R R R

-

R R

OR 3 3 2 2 17 17 2 2 12 12 9 9 0 0 II 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

TC

Rosetta

0 2 2 1 1 8 8 1 1 7 7 5 5 0 0 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

-

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R R R R L L R R R R L L

OR 6 6 5 5 28 28 3 3 39 39 30 30 10 10 0 0 6 6 16 16 0 0 11 11

TC

0

3 3 3 3 11 11 I 1 16 16 14 14 5 5 0 0 3 3 8 8 0 0 6 6

R

R

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R R R R

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R R L L R R

R R R R

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Other sources in Delta

10 10 7 7 55 55 5 5 64 64 45 45 10 10 18 18 6 6 21 21 1 1 11 11

Count

Total

0.30

0.30

0.49 0.49 0.16 0.16 0.57 0.57 003 0.03

0.27 0.27

0.19 1.49 1.49 0.14 0.14 1.73 1.73 1.22 1.22

0.19

0.27 027

Percentage

1 6 6

I

6 6 4 4 22 22 2 2 28 28 23 23 5 5 11 11 3 3 11 11

Occourrenee

3.33 3.33

0.56

3.33 3.33 2.22 2.22 11.67 11.67 1.11 1.11 15.56 15.56 12.78 12.78 2.78 2.78 6.11 6.11 1.67 1.67 6.11 6.11 0.56

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Seasonal occurrence:

* Althrough the

year (in 4 seasons), • winter,

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spring,

0

summer,

X

autumn.

OR: Occurrence Remarks. H: High occurrence; more than 50% of total samples. M: Moderate occurrence; between 25 % and less than 50% of total samples. L: Low occurrence; between 12% and less than 25% of total samples. R: Rare occurrence; less than 12% of total samples. -: No occurrence.

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(Table I. Continued) t-..l

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Studies on Aquatic Fungi

429

branches of the river Nile and were recovered only from other water areas (irrigation and drainage canals and closed ponds). On the contrary, 12 fungal species (Table 1) were recovered from the main branches ofthe Nile and disappeared completely in other investigated water areas . Also , it was observed that 26 species appeared only in Damietta branch and were not encountered in Rosetta branch, whereas 13 fungal species and one variety were recovered only from Rosetta branch but disappeared completely in Darnietta branch. Moreover , the most investigated areas exhibited variations in the number of species and density of zoosporic fungi. 73 species (5 10 colonie s) in addition to 179 unidentified colonies were recovered from 40 samples collected from Damietta branch. 62 species and one variety (382 colonies) in addition to 144 unidentified colonies were recovered from 36 samples collected from Rosetta branch . 104 species and 2 varieties (1,820 colonies) in addition to 668 unidentified colonies were recovered from other 104 samples collected from other investigated water areas. Such variation in density of Oomycetes was also reported by ROBERTS (1963) in the United Kingdom who reported that , despite most recovered species of Saprolegniales being found in all rivers, the total average isolations of species varied from site to site and were found to be less in the fast flowing river Mel than in the slower moving and wider river Cam. Similarly, MORTIMER (1941 , 1942) and WILLOUGHBY (1962) found that the total Sapr olegniales, propagated per liter, at the margin exceeded that at the center which could be due to the stagnance of water in lakes. Fun gal diver sity and water characteristics In the present investigations it was observed that , in freshwater areas of Delta region , the richest samples in aquatic fungi were almost having a relatively high content of organic matter and dissolved oxygen. This is in accordance with the results obtained by COOKE and BARTSCH (1959) who mentioned that the variability in the distribution of aquatic fungal species in different water samples and habitats may be due to the differences in their physico-chemical nature. MISRA( 1982) in India mentioned also that the presence of organic debris is one of the probable reasons for the frequent and higher collections of aquatic "Phyco mycetes" from ponds having more vegetation and hence organic matter. Similar observation s were obtained by some other authors (ROBERTS 1963 ; KHALLIL 1984 ; EL-NAGDY 1985). Also , SUZUKI (196 1a-d, 1962) found a close relationship between the dissolved oxygen of water samples and the occurrence, seasonal changes and zoosporic production of aquatic fungi. Some other investigators (DAYAL and TANDON 1963; LUND 1934; MISRA 1982) recorded the same observations. On the other hand , ALABI (l97Ia) in Nigeria and RATT ANet al. (1978) in Iraq reported no clear relationship could be established between the occurrence of the species and the fluctuations in the amount of dissolved oxygen. pH values of investigated water samples exhibited a narrow range (6.2- 8.8) and did not display any regular pattern in various seasons and localities. This means that (at least in this work) the pH values did not represent a major factor governing the distribution and seasonal fluctuation s of zoosporic fungi (Mastigomycotina). Similar observations were reported in water areas of Upper Egypt (EL-NAGDY 1981, 1985; EL-HISSY et al. 1982; KHALLIL 1984). Estaurin e sites Is was interesting to investigate the occurrence, distribut ion and periodicity of zoosporic "Phycomycetes" in estuarine sites of the river Nile branches which have comparatively high total soluble salts (1. 1 to 3.6 % ). It was noticed that the total soluble salts of Rosetta branch estuary were generally lower than those of Damietta branch. This could be due to the fact that, while the Damietta branch is cut-off by a permanent earthem Embankm ent (Farskour Embankment) from its estuary, the Rosetta branch is controlled by Edfina barrage, through which freshwater, from time to time, is allowed to flow. In these estuaries, the zoosporic Phycomycetes were rarely represented or completely eliminated. Moreover, no aquatic saprolegniaceous fungi were recovered from water sites having

430

F. T . EL-HISSY and A. M . A. KHALLIL

salinity exceeding 1.5 % salinity . Howev er , some aquatic fungal species especially those belonging to peronosporales (Oomycetes, biflagellate zoosporic fungi) and to Chytridiales (Chytridiomycetes, uniflagellate zoosporic fungi) appeared with limited populations in estuarine sites exceeding 1.5 % salinity. 20 species which yielded 74 colonies in addition to 21 unidentified colonies were recovered from estuarine sites of Damietta branch. These are: one unidentified isolate of Achlya, Pythiopsis cymosa, P. hymphreyana, Calyptralegnia achlyoides, Aphanomyces laevis, Thranstochytrium aureum, Leptolegniella exosporus, L. keratinophilum , Aqualindrella f ermentans, Pythium thalasium, P. injlatum , P. undulatum, P. ultimum, unidentified isolate of Pythium, Phytophthora hibernalis, Allomyces arbuscula, Catenaria aguillulae, Cladochytrium aneurea, Rhizophydium globosum , Entophlyctis aurea, Olpidium euglenae and Chytriomyces hyalinus. On the other side, 19 species which yielded 48 colon ies in addit ion to 21 unidenti fied colonies were recovered from estuarine sites of Rosetta branch. These are , Achlya proliferoides, Saprolegnia fe rax, S. hypogyna, Dictyuchus monosporus, D. magnusii, Geolegia septisporangia, Thraustochytrium aureum, Leptolegniella exosporus, Aqualindrella f ermentans, Phytophthora hibernalis , P. primulae, unidentified isolate of Phytophthora, Pythium thalasium, unidentified colonies of Pythium, Allomyces javanicus, Achlyogeton entophytum, Blastocladi ella emorsonii, Rhizophydium globosum, Entophlyctis aurea, Cladochytrium aneurea and Olpidium euglenae. Generally , it can be pointed out that while very few members of Saprolegniaceae were recovered, in limited abundance, from estuarine sites having comparatively low soluble salts, some species of Pythiaceae (Peronosporales) and Chytridiales were found to be more common than Saprol egniaceae. The variations between investigated freshwater areas and estuarine areas in occurrence and populations of zoo sporicPhycomycetes are most probably due to the variations in soluble salts content (salinity). Moreover, the variations between estuarie s of Damiett a and Rosetta branches and even from site to site along the same estuary are most probably due to variations in salinity. In this respect , HOH NK (1935, 1939) indic ated that water moulds are not recoverable from estuarine region s exceeding about 7 ppt salinity . TE STRAKE (1959) noted that the highest salinity in which water moulds occurred was 0. 28 % and the ecological distributional pattern of some Saprolegniaceae appears to be limited by salinity . She also mention ed that, if water mould s are given ample nutrients , . they can adapt readil y to a salinity level far in excess of that to which they can adapt in low nutrient environment. She further concluded that water moulds are intolerant of natural salinity regimes. On the other side , PADGETT ( 1978) using a baiting techn ique in situ, for the recovery of aquatic fungi from estuaries , found that at least some species are recoverable from estuarine sampling sites where the salinity periodically reache s much higher levels. However, no Saprolegnia ceae were recovered from any site at 15 ppt. The se data suggest that the salinity tolerance of saprolegniaceou s species in nature may well be greater than previously suspected (HOHNK 1935, 1939). In this respect PADGETT (1978) suggested that many of these fungi have an efficient osmoregulatory mechanism when growing in situ on hemp seeds. TE STRAKE (1980) mentioned that salinity is the primary factor accounting for presently observed distribution patterns of Saprolegniaceae. She also pointed out that the species of Saprolegniaceae are limited in their occurrence in estuari es . PADGETT (1976), SCHOLZ (1958), AMON (197&) and FULLER et a1. (1964) recovered some fungal species from estuaries, sea water and saline soils . These are Saprolegnia australis, Thraustochytrium globosum, Thranstochytrium sp . , Labyrinthuloides minuta, Schizochytrium sp. , Lagenidium callinetes, Haliphth oras milfordensis and Ankinstella dubia (Polycentric chytrid) .

References ALABI , R. 0 .: Factors affecting seasonal occu rrence of Saprolegniaceae in Nigeria . Trans. Br. Mycol. Soc. 56 (197 1a) , 289 -299. - Seasonal periodicity of Saprolegniaceae at Ibadan, Nigeria. Trans. Br. MycolSoc, 56 (197 I b), 337-341. AMON, J. P.: An estaurin e species of Phlyctochytrium (Chytridiales) having a transient requ irement for sodium. Mycologia 68 (1976 ), 470 - 480.

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Thraustochytrids and Labyrinthulids of terrestrial, aquatic and hypersaline environments of the great salt lake, U.S.A. Mycologia 70 (1978), 1299~ 1301. BARR, D. J. S.: Studies on Rhizophydium and Phlyctochytrium (Chytridiales). I. Comparative morphology. Can. J. Bot. 47 (1969),275-282. CARRANO, P. D., HERNANDEZ, A., RIVERA, P., ROSAS, I.: Soil and aquatic fungi in a water-stabilization pond system of the state of Mexico. Water Air Soil Pollut 23 (1984),249-256. CHEIN, C. Y.: Studies on Taiwanese aquatic fungi. I. Blastocladia and Allomyces. Trans. mycol. Soc. 12 (1974), 178-185. CHOWDHERY, H. J., RAI, J. N.: Microfungi from man-grove swamps of West Bengal, India. II. Some new records of aquatic fungi. Nova Hedwigia 32 (1980),237-242. COKER, W. c.: TheSaprolegniaceae, with notes on other water molds. 201 pp., 63 pIs. Univ. of North Carolina press, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 1923. COOKE, W. B.: Fungi in polluted water and sewage. III. Fungi in a small polluted stream. Sewage and Industrial Wastes 26 (1954),790-794. - BARTSCH, A. F.: Aquatic fungi in water with high waste loads. Sewage and Andust. Wastes 31 (1959), 1316-1322. DAYAL, R., TANDON, R. N.: Ecological studies of some aquatic Phycomycetes. II. Fungi in relation to chemical factors of the water. Hydrobiologia 22 (1963),324-330. DICK, M. W., NEWBY, H. Y.: The occurrence and distribution of Saproleginaceae in certain soils of south-east England. I. Occurrence. J. Ecol. 49 (1961), 403-419. EL-HISSY, F, T.: Freshwater fungi in Egypt. Egypt. J. Bot. 17 (1974), 187-189. Seasonal fluctuations of freshwater fungi in river Nile. The first Scientific conference of Egyption Graduate Abroad, London 1979. On the aquatic fungi of Egyptian soil. Bulletin of the Fac. of Sciences, Assiut Univ. 8 (1979b), 99-107. Aquatic and terrestrial fungi from the surfaces and the casts of earth-worms in Egypt. Bulletin of the Fac. of Science, Assiut Univ. 1979c. EL-NAGDY, M. A.: Aquatic Phycomycetes on the mud of the River Nile (Assiut, Egypt). Sydowia 36 (1983), 118-124. ABD-ELAAH, G. A.: Aquatic fungi from Egyptian soils, Sydowia, Vol. 41 (1987) (in press). MOUBASHER, A. H., EL-NAGDY, M, A,: Seasonal fluctuations offreshwater fungi in river Nile (Egypt). Zeitschrift fur Allgemeine Mikrobiologie 22 (1982),521-527, EL-NAGDY, M, A.: Studies on freshwater fungi in river Nile, M.Sc. Thesis, Bot. Dept. Faculty of Science, Assiut Univ. 1981. EL-NAGDY, M. A.: Studies on freshwater fungi in Upper Egypt. Ph.D. Thesis. Bot. Dept. Faculty of Science, Assiut Univ. 1985. FORBES, E. T.: Observations on some British water moulds (Saprolegniales and Blastocladiales). Trans. Br. Mycol. Soc. 19 (1935a), 221-239, Figs. 2, PIs, 8-10. FORBES, E. J.: Water moulds of the Manchester District. Mem. Proc. Manchester Ltd. Phil. Soc. 79 (1935b), 1-11, Figs. 1-4. Fox, N. C., WOLF,F. T.: Aquatic Phycomycetes of Radnor Lake, Nashville, Tennessee. J. Tennessee Acad. Sci. 52 (1977),100-104. FULLER, M. S., FOWLES, B. E., McLAUGHLIN, D. J.: Isolation and pure culture study of marine Phycomycetes. Mycologia 56 (1964), 745-756. HOHNK, W.: Saprolegniales und Monoblopharidales aus der Umgebung Bremens, mit besonderer Beriicksichtigung der Saprolengiaceae. Abhandl. Naturwiss., Bremen 29 (1935), 207 -237, Figs. 1-7. - Ein Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Phycomyceten des Brackwassers. Kieler Meeresforsch. 3 (1939), 337-361, Figs. 1-8. HUGHES, G. C.: Seasonal periodicity of the Saprolegniaceae in the south-eastern United States, Trans. Br. Mycol. Soc, 45 (1962), 519-531. HUNTER, R. E.: Water moulds of the river Great Ouse and its tributaries. Trans. Br. Mycol. Soc. 65 (1975),101-108. JOHNSON, T. W.: Aquatic fungi of Scandinavia, Some species of Aphanomyces. Bot. Notiser. 129 (1977),351-366. KARLING, J. S.: Some zoosporic fungi of New Zealand. XII. Olpidiopsidaceae, Sirolpidiaceae and Lagenidiales. Sydowia 20 (1968),190-199. KHALLIL, A. M.: Studies on aquatic fungi in EI-Ibrahimia canal. M.Sc. Thesis, Bot. Dept. Faculty of Science, Assiut Univ.1984. KLICK, M. A., TIFFANY, L. H.: Distribution and seasonal occurrence of aquatic Saprolegniaceae in northwest IOWA. Mycologia 77 (3) (1985),373-380.

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