Nematophagous fungi from cattle manure in four states of decomposition at three sites in Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

New geographic distributions are reported for 18 species of nematophagous fungi from 36 samples of cow manure at three sites in Nova Scotia, Canada. Arthrobotrys flagrans was the most common species followed by Harposporium anguillulae and Myzocytium sp. The distribution of nematophagous fungi in manure in four different states of decomposition was examined. The greatest number of species and highest prevalence of fungi were in the most decomposed manure, while the fewest species and lowest prevalence were in the least decomposed manure. This correlated with increased prevalence of nematodes as the manure decomposed.

Key Words:

• abundance
• diversity
• fungal ecology
• geographic records
• Maritimes
• nematode-destroying fungi