Nematophagous fungi of Manitoba

Abstract

An investigation into the occurrence of nematophagous fungi in Manitoba showed that they are abundant and widespread. From 120 samples collected at 23 different sites, 106 isolations yielded 31 different species of nematode-destroying fungi. The various species were referrable to the subdivisions Zygomtycotina, Basidiomycotina, and Deuteromycotina, and comprised twenty-three predators, five endoparasites, and three members of the Agaricales. Sixteen species were new to Manitoba, and the lignicolous basidiomycetes Panus rudis Fr., Pleurotus elongatipes Pk., and Pluteus aurantiorugosus (Trog.) Sacc. were tested for nematophagous ability for the first time in Manitoba. The 31 species belonged to the following genera: Arthrobotrys Cda., Dactylaria Sacc., Dactylella Grove, Duddingtonia R.C. Cooke, Geniculifera Rifai, Monacrosporium Oudem., Harposporium Lodhe, Verticillium Nees, Stylopage Drechs., Nematoctonus Drechs., Panus Fr., Pleurotus (Fr.) kumm. and Pluteus Fr.