Fungi from Spartina Alterniflora in Rhode Island

Abstract

SUMMARY A survey was made of the fungi associated with Spartina alterniflora in southern Rhode Island. Eighteen Ascomycetes, twelve Deuteromycetes, and two Basidiomycetes were collected, some of which are new records for S. alterniflora and New England. “Marine” and “terrestrial” species occurred in approximately equal numbers. Alternaria spp., Leptosphaeria discors, L. typharum, Phoma sp., Septoria sp., and Sphaerulina pedicellata were the most common species, being present in 41–86% of the collections. Living plants supported a substantial fungal growth, particularly S. pedicellata. Dead culms were invaded by saprobic Ascomycetes and occasionally lignicolous species. Estuarine salinity did not appear to affect the occurrence of the predominant fungi.