Fungal succession on senescent leaves of Manglietia garrettii in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, northern Thailand

Abstract

Twenty-two fungal taxa were identified on decaying senescent leaf baits of Manglietia garrettii during a 56 day study. Most of the taxa were the same as those occurring on naturally decaying leaves in the same forest area collected at the same time. Distinct fungal communities were observed to occur in sequence on the leaves, with the dominant species on the leaves being different at each succession stage. There was no noticeable effect on fungal communities whether the upper or lower leaf surface was in contact with the forest floor. The greatest fungal diversity occurred between day 4 and 40 (mature community stage), with most species being present on day 40. On day 56, leaves were found to be skeletonised, so the fungal communities had decreased in number.