Communities of parasitic microfungi

Abstract

The main aspects concerning the role of parasitic micromycetes in phytocoenology as well as mycocoenology are discussed. Phytoparasitic fungi are important elements of definite phytocoenoses. Investigations on the composition of this fungal group in particular plant communities are of general interest on account of ecological and phytopathological reasons. These studies are classified as 'phytocoenological mycofloristics'. Papers dealing with such problems are summarized. True consociations (unions) of parasitic micromycetes are known. The knowledge about them is summarized under the catchword "mycocoenology". The following aspects are included: mixed infections, phylloplane fungi, rhizosphere fungi, interactions, endophytes, hyperparasites. The special problems connected with the description of mycosynusia of parasitic fungi are discussed, and the new associations Peronosporo parasiticae - Albuginetum and Puccinio dioicae - Schizonelletum are proposed. They shall be considered as basis for further discussions on this problem.