Aquatic Hyphomycetes on Oak Leaves: Comparison of Growth, Degradation and Palatability

ABSTRACT

We followed the dynamics of oak leaf degradation caused by eight species of aquatic Hyphomycetes and determined their palatability to caddisfly (Trichoptera) detritivores. All species of ftingi caused weight loss and increased ATP concentrations of oak leaves although the magnitude of these changes varied considerably among fungal species. All species except Heliscus lugdunensis caused softening of oak leaves. Heliscus lugdunensis and Tetracladium marchalianum exhibited less potential for oak leaf degradation a) than other species and b) than they have previously displayed on other types of leaves. Caddisfly larvae expressed distinct preferences for oak leaves colonized by Alatospora acuminata and Flagellospora curvula. Leaves colonized by Clavariopsis aquatica were intermediate in preference rankings, while leaves colonized by the remaining five fungi were relatively unpalatable.

Key Words:

• aquatic Hyphomycetes
• caddisfly preference
• degradation
• oak leaves