The Influence of Temperature on the Seasonal and Geographic Distribution of Three Marine Fungi

Abstract

The effects of temperature on growth in vitro of Asteromyces cruciatus, Sigmoidea marina and Varicosporina ramulosa are compared with their worldwide geographic distribution and seasonal occurrence in North Carolina [USA]. Each fungus grew best at a temperature range corresponding to its observed natural temperature regime. A. cruciatus is a temperature-water fungus, observed in the North Atlantic, and North and South Pacific. Optimum growth of A. cruciatus occurs at 20.degree.-30.degree. C; its growth range is 10.degree.-30.degree. C. S. marina is also a temperature-water species, occurring where A. cruciatus is found, but also inhabiting subtropical regions of the Western Atlantic. S. marina grows at 20.degree. and 30.degree. C (optimum temperatures) and is inactive at 10.degree. and 35.degree. C. V. ramulosa is a tropical-subtropical species, found in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, with maximum growth at 35.degree. and 40.degree. C. Growth tests of temperature tolerance can be used to indicate possible geographical distribution patterns of marine fungi. Data on new collecting sites and a distribution map of the 3 spp. are provided.