Between Dec 19, 2024 and Jan 2, 2025, datasets can be submitted to DRUM but will not be processed until after the break. Staff will not be available to answer email during this period, and will not be able to provide DOIs until after Jan 2. If you are in need of a DOI during this period, consider Dryad or OpenICPSR. Submission responses to the UDC may also be delayed during this time.
 

Diversity and characterization of wood decay fungi from historic wood in Antarctica

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Persistent link to this item

Statistics
View Statistics

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Title

Diversity and characterization of wood decay fungi from historic wood in Antarctica

Published Date

2013-07

Publisher

Type

Thesis or Dissertation

Abstract

Compared to other biomes, very little is known about fungal diversity in Antarctica and how these important organisms function in this unusual ecosystem. The studies presented in this dissertation are focused on the fungi found in wood on Deception Island (an active volcano), Antarctica, their phylogenetic diversity and role as important decomposers in the polar environment. A diverse fungal assemblage of known wood decay fungi is reported from historic wood in structures at Deception Island, Antarctica as well as the discovery of several undescribed species. The major group of wood decay fungi found was Cadophora species which have been found in other geographic regions of Antarctica causing a soft-rot type of decay in introduced woods. Unlike other areas of Antarctica that have been studied, several filamentous basidiomycetes (Hypochniciellum spp. and Pholiota spp.) were also identified that have different modes of degradation including brown and white rot. The conservation of these historic structures poses difficult challenges because of their polar location and geothermal activity. Lahars have partially buried many of the structures. The buried environment and moist, warm soils are conditions conducive for fungal growth facilitate deterioration by the fungi described. In addition, the diverse assemblage of decay fungi add to the difficulty of conserving these important polar heritage sites. A number of studies have identified Cadophora species, mainly in association with wood, from many areas of Antarctica. A phylogenetic study using four gene regions identifies a diverse group of Cadophora spp. present at different sites in Antarctica (Ross Sea, Peninsula). Cadophora malorum, C. fastigiata sensu stricto, and C. luteo-olivacea were very similar phylogenetically in these gene regions. Undescribed species were also discovered that were closely related to C. fastigiata. Decay studies showed that nearly all the species were able to cause a soft rot type of decay in birch wood wafers and were able to tolerate high levels of salt and copper sulphate. These studies support information that Cadophora spp. are well adapted to thrive in extreme conditions and appear to be important decomposers in these biomes.

Description

University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. July 2013. Major: Plant Pathology. Advisor: Robert A. Blanchette. 1 computer file (PDF); viii, 99 pages.

Related to

Replaces

License

Collections

Series/Report Number

Funding information

Isbn identifier

Doi identifier

Previously Published Citation

Other identifiers

Suggested citation

Held, Benjamin William. (2013). Diversity and characterization of wood decay fungi from historic wood in Antarctica. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/165417.

Content distributed via the University Digital Conservancy may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor. By using these files, users agree to the Terms of Use. Materials in the UDC may contain content that is disturbing and/or harmful. For more information, please see our statement on harmful content in digital repositories.