Salinity Tolerance of an Aphanomyces Isolate (Oomycetes) and Its Possible Relationship to Ulcerative Mycosis (Um) of Atlantic Menhaden

ABSTRACT

An Aphanomyces sp recovered from and thought to be a pathogen of Atlantic menhaden was subjected to salinity stress to see if its behavior suggested that it was a salt-resistant isolate. Respiration during prolonged salinity exposure as well as hyphal morphology suggested a degree of salinity tolerance generally greater than previously reported for this or other saprolegniaceous fungi. Furthermore, zoospores were shown to germinate during salinity stress if exogenous nutrients are present.

Key Words:

• salinity tolerance
• menhaden
• fish pathogen