Marine fungi in Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica)

Abstract

The occurrence of lignicolous marine fungi in Antarctic marine water far from the coast is reported. Thirty-six wooden baits (beech and poplar), hung in a metallic structure were immersed in Penguin Bay (Adelie Cove) at a depth of 50 m for a year. Fourteen species belonging to Deuteromycotina and six Ascomycotina were observed on the baits examined in Italy. Phoma sp., Trichocladium achrasporum, Trichocladium constrictum and Trichocladium lignincola were the predominant species. Phoma sp., the first species, are not typically marine, but rather of terrestrial origin. Penguin dung proximity can explain this occurrence.