5 documents found, page 1 of 1

Spring stimulates leaf decomposition in moderately eutrophic streams

In forested headwater streams, decomposition of allochthonous organic matter is a fundamental process driven by aquatic microbes and invertebrate shredders. We examined how season and eutrophication affect leaf decomposition and the associated decomposer communities by immersing leaves of a late deciduous species (Quercus robur) in five streams in Portugal along a gradient of eutrophication in autumn and spring...

Microscopy- or DNA-based analyses: Which methodology gives a truer picture of s...

We assessed aquatic hyphomycete diversity in autumn and spring on oak leaves decomposing in five streams along a gradient of eutrophication in the Northwest of Portugal. Diversity was assessed through microscopy-based (identification by spore morphology) and DNA-based techniques (Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis and 454 pyrosequencing). Pyrosequencing revealed five times greater diversity than DGGE. Abou...

Stream-dwelling fungal decomposer communities along a gradient of eutrophicatio...

Microbial decomposers, especially a fungal group called aquatic hyphomycetes, play a critical role in processing plant litter in freshwaters by increasing its palatability to invertebrate shredders. Traditionally, communities of aquatic hyphomycetes have been assessed through the identification of spores, which misses non-sporulating taxa. Among new technologies, 454 pyrosequencing stands out as most promising ...

Effects of eutrophication on stream-dwelling decomposers of plant-litter

Plant-litter decomposition is the major source of nutrients and energy in low-order forested streams. Microorganisms, in particular aquatic fungi, play an important role in this process by mineralizing plant-litter and transforming it into a more palatable food source for macroinvertebrates. However, anthropogenic stressors, in particularly eutrophication, can strongly affect aquatic biota with consequences to ...

Intraspecific diversity of A. tetracladia affects plant-litter decomposition in...