The distribution of Basidiobolus and Conidiobolus in soil and litter at sites near Tampa, Florida

Abstract

In an effort to begin to understand the basic population structure of Basidiobolus, a single, nonlongitudinal field study was conducted to shed light on the number and distribution of the fungus in the soil and litter from several locations near the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, Florida. The occurrence of the related fungus Conidiobolus was also documented for comparison with previous studies. An undisturbed cypress stand, an open grassy area on the campus of USF and two pasture lands were chosen for study. Four isolations of Basidiobolus and 48 of Conidiobolus were obtained from 125 soil samples taken from the 5 study plots. Additional samples of soil were taken from the area immediately surrounding the locations of two positive soil collections. One additional isolate of Basidiobolus was recovered from each of these samplings. RAPD analysis indicates that each Basidiobolus isolate is genetically unique and thus show no evidence of clonal growth in soil. This study suggests the conclusion that in some cases the intestines of reptiles and perhaps other animals may be a more significant reservoir for Basidiobolus than the soil.

Key Words:

• Entomophthorales
• ecology
• genetics
• population
• Zygomycetes