A survey of the mycobiota of a natural Karoo pasture

Abstract

The survey of a natural Karoo pasture from 1978 to 1982 showed that a wealth and variety of fungi were present in the semidesert environment. Hyphomycetes and Coelomycetes represented 45.8% and 34.6% respectively of the taxa identified. A total of 135 genera was identified of which Altenaria altemata, Cladosporium spp. and Fusarium spp. of the Hyphomycetes, Phoma spp., Ascochyta spp. and  Camarosporium spp. of the Coelomycetes and Leptasphaerulina spp., of the Ascomycetes represented the most prevalent fungi in this order. This survey has shown conclusively that Pithomyces chartarum, which is associated with photosensitivity diseases of sheep, can always be recovered from the veld if the correct isolation techniques are employed. A number of new records for South Africa, as well as undescribed species, have been found, highlighting the necessity of correct methods and intensity of approach.