Techniques for Handling Ingoldian Fungi

Abstract

Ingoldian fungi or aquatic hyphomycetes are the dominant fungal group colonizing and decomposing leaf litter in streams. Mycelia of these fungi release prodigious amounts of conidia (mitospores), whose characteristic shapes often allow species identification. Current molecular methods are increasingly replacing this traditional approach. Nevertheless, familiarity with conidia remains essential when evaluating fungal diversity in streams, and for studies involving pure cultures, which are best established from single spores. This chapter presents common techniques and approaches to handle spores and mycelia of Ingoldian fungi. These include the analysis of conidia and conidiophores in foam, plant litter and water samples; isolation into pure culture; mycelial growth on agar plates and sporulation; and teleomorph (meiospore) induction. Since correct species identification is fundamental for ecological investigations, the techniques presented here emphasize preparation of fungal material for microsopic analysis. The chapter also includes a glossary of common mycological terms. Standard mycological methods to isolate fungi present as mycelia, such as particle plating of leaf, wood or root tissues, are not presented.