Edge effects and the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus

This discussion topic submitted by John Perrott, Phd Student, Ecology Group, massey University, NZ (jkperrott@xtra.co.nz) at 3:57 am on 10/2/00. Additions were last made on Wednesday, May 29, 2002.

Hi there, I have been collecting soil and nectar from several forest fragments and screening these for mycopathogens and mycotoxins. I am finding very high levels of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus in the soil and flowers collected from forest edges, and young secondary growth forests. This fungus causes the common avian disease aspergillosis and the mycotoxin disease aflatoxicosis. Are you aware of any research on changes in soil mycoflora associated with habitat disturbance? I would appreciate any help or advice you can give me.
Kind regards, John.

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It is 12:05:46 PM on Friday, September 5, 2008. Last Update: Wednesday, May 29, 2002