Mycoplankton in coastal waters

ABSTRACT: Abstract Mycoplankton have so far been a neglected component of pelagic marine ecosystems, having been poorly studied relative to other plankton groups.Currently, there is a lack of understanding of how marine mycoplankton diversity changes through time, and the identity ofcontrolling environmental drivers. Using Fungi-specific high-throughput sequencingand Q-PCR analysis of plankton DNA samples collected over six years from the coastal time-series site Station L4, we have assessed changes in the temporal variability of mycoplankton diversity and abundance in relation to co-occurring environmental variables. Mycoplankton communities at Station L4 were dominated by the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Chytridiomycota, with several orders within these phyla frequently abundant and dominant in multiple years. Repeating inter-annual mycoplankton blooms were linked to potential controlling environmental drivers, including nitrogen availability and sea temperature.Specific relationships between mycoplankton and other plankton groups were also identified, with seasonal chytrid blooms matching diatom blooms in consecutive years.Mycoplankton alphadiversity was greatest during periods of reduced salinity at Station L4, which is indicative of riverine input to the ecosystem. Mycoplankton abundance also increased during periods of reduced salinity, and when potential growth substrate availability was increased, including particulate organic matter.This study has identified possible controlling environmental drivers of mycoplankton diversity and abundance in a coastal sea ecosystem, and therefore shedsnew light on the biology and ecology of an enigmatic plankton group.Mycoplankton have several potential functional roles, including saprotrophs, nutrient cyclers and parasites, that should now be considered within the consensus view of marine pelagic ecosystem functioning.

PROVIDER: PRJEB9844 | ENA |

REPOSITORIES: ENA