Microfungi associated with leaf litter decomposition of Michelia nilagirica and semecarpus coriacea at Hakgala montane forest

Abstract

In Hakgala forest, Michelia nilagirica Zenk. and Semecarpus coriacea Thw. are two of the major leaf litter contributors to the forest floor. Michelin nilagirica leaves require about 2.4 years for 99% decomposition. In contrast, Semecarpus coriacea leaves require more than 20 years to complete its decomposition. Since fungi are the main biotic components which regulate the decomposition rates of leaf litter, studies on the fungal communities in both leaf litter types at various decomposition stages are of importance. Leaves in the freshly fallen, first, second and third decomposition stages of both species were collected using the litter bag technique. Fungi were isolated from leaf material of both types using washing and plating method and the identifications were carried out using identification keys. Common as well as different fungal species were isolated from both leaf materials. Broomella acuta, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Trichoderma viride, Pseudabotrytis terrestris, Curvularia lunata, Cylindrocarpon didymum, Mortierella vinaceae and Nectria coccinea were the fungal species isolated in the highest frequencies. B. acuta and C. cladosportoides were present throughout the decomposition process of both types of leaf litter. Aspergillus and Penicillium species were only occasionally isolated. Hence, the present study provides an account of the fungal species associated with the decomposition of leaf litter of Hakgala montane forest.