Chytrid distribution in diverse boreal Manitoba sites

Abstract

Soil samples were collected in thirteen Manitoba boreal forest sites. Spatial distribution of chytrids from diverse boreal forest microhabitats was investigated by baiting with jack pine pollen. After baiting, the pollen was surveyed for chytrids for a ten day period and individual species were counted. Total infestations of pollen by chytrids ranged from 5.8% to 90.2% from various soils. Each site with high infestation was characterized by litter with high needle content while mineral soil or soil with limited organic matter yielded low levels of pollen infestation. Species diversity tended to be higher in soils with higher pollen infestation and lower in soils with lower pollen infestation. Lower diversity was generally observed in mineral soils or soils with a limited organic horizon comprised, in part, of broad leaf litter. Based on coefficients of association and species in common among species across the collection sites, it was possible to relate dominant species assemblages in site groups. These species assemblages in the site groups suggest that the chytrids are distributed by litter and soil types. It can be concluded that the substratum characteristics of litter types and availability of litter may be important in describing chytrid distribution in boreal forest sites.

Key Words:

• Chytrid
• Pollen
• Litter type
• Boreal forest
• Manitoba

Notes

Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone] E‐mail: [email protected]