Myxomycetes associated with the bark, cones and leaves of Australian cypress pines (Callitris spp.)

Title
Myxomycetes associated with the bark, cones and leaves of Australian cypress pines (Callitris spp.)
Publication Date
2023-03
Author(s)
Stephenson, Steven L
Elliott, Todd F
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9304-7040
Email: tellio20@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:tellio20
Elliott, Kelsey
Vernes, Karl
( #PLACEHOLDER_PARENT_METADATA_VALUE# )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1635-9950
Email: kvernes@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:kvernes
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
CSIRO Publishing
Place of publication
Australia
DOI
10.1071/BT22128
UNE publication id
une:1959.11/58269
Abstract

Context. The diversity of myxomycetes associated with Australia’s most diverse native conifer genus, Callitris, has been incompletely studied. Aims. In this study, we examine the diversity of myxomycetes associated with outer bark, fallen cones and dead litter (leaves/ needles) of four Callitris species. Methods. Substrate samples were collected from 13 localities in New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. Samples were used to prepare moist-chamber cultures, and species of associated myxomycetes were identified. Key results. Twenty-three species in 15 genera were recorded. Percentage occurrence of myxomycetes varied depending on substrate, being 87% (cones), 83% (bark) and 63% (litter). Bark yielded the most species (17), followed by litter (10) and cones (6). Only two species ( Arcyria cinerea and S. fusca) were recorded from all three substrates. Substrate pH is often an important factor for the occurrence of myxomycetes, but the mean values recorded for cones (5.7), litter (5.8), and bark (5.9) showed little difference. This suggests that other undetermined factors contributed to the differences in species occurrence. In addition to the records generated in the present study, we provide a list of previous records of myxomycetes found in association with Callitris. Conclusions.This study has highlighted, for the first time, the diversity of myxomycetes associated with members of the genus Callitris and has shown the importance of cypress pines as a substrate for myxomycetes. Implications. This study leads to a better understanding of the biogeography, distribution and ecology of myxomycetes and their associated organisms.

Link
Citation
Australian Journal of Botany, 71(3), p. 157-165
ISSN
1444-9862
0067-1924
Start page
157
End page
165
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

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