2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH
5/24/2021 | 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM | Host specificity and condition-dependency of chytrid infection of Scenedesmus spp. | Virtual Platform
Host specificity and condition-dependency of chytrid infection of Scenedesmus spp.
Chytrid fungi are cryptic yet critical members of aquatic ecosystems. In both natural and engineered environments, parasitic chytrids can reduce green algal populations, sometimes through sudden crashes. Despite this common occurrence, how chytrid infectivity is influenced by algal host identity and environmental factors is poorly understood. In our study, we explored these questions in laboratory experiments using an obligate aphelid and numerous green algal strains with a particular focus on Scenedesmus spp. The aphelid was found to be capable of infecting several algal strains, including Scenedesmus obliquus UTEX 393 and Scenedesmus dimorphus UTEX 1237, though infection prevalence was highest for S. obliquus. Lower light levels reduced infection in the S. dimorphus culture but did not significantly affect infection in the S. obliquus culture. Infection increased in both Scenedesmus strains at 30°C compared to 25°C. Continuing work will explore additional environmental factors and their interactions with one another. These findings contribute greater insight into how chytrid infection governs algal abundance, diversity and productivity in aquatic ecosystems.
- Biological interactions
- Carbon cycle
- Ecosystem functioning
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Presenters/Authors
Fiona Harrigian
(), Bowling Green State University, fharrig@bgsu.edu;
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Ty Samo
(), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, samo1@llnl.gov;
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Christopher Ward
(), Bowling Green State University, chrward@bgsu.edu;
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