Studies on the distribution of alkalophilic and alkali-tolerant soil fungi II: Fungal flora in two limestone caves in Japan

• DOI: 10.1007/bf02464011
• Publication Date: 2006-08-10T02:53:17Z
• Authors: Koji Naga; Kenichi Suzuk; Gen Okada
• Keywords: Alkali soil; Chrysosporium; Flora

In a series of studies on the distribution of alkalophilic and alkali-tolerant fungi, soil fungi were isolated from five alkaline calcareous soil samples in two closely located limestone caves (stalactite caves) in Japan using slightly acidic and alkaline media. Some common soil fungi that can grow in alkaline conditions were obtained in high frequencies. The growth response to pH of the isolates revealed that approximately one third (30.8%) of the isolates had the optimum pH in the alkaline range. All isolates of fourAcremonium species and twoChrysosporium species grew well in alkaline conditions, of whichAcremonium sp. andChrysosporium sp. were pronounced alkalophiles. These fungi were thought to be indigenous species in this alkaline environment. The fungal flora in the Japanese alkaline soils was considerably different from the flora reported in alkaline environments in other countries.