Spartina alterniflora seed fungi

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Abstract
The filamentous fungi occurring on Spartina alterniflora seeds attached to inflorescences, on marsh sediments, and submerged in estuarine waters were studied. Seed-borne fungi commonly found on grain crops and graminicolous Ascomycetes were found on the seeds attached to the panicles. After 2 months on the marsh surface or in the adjacent sound and tidal creek, additional species, including marine fungi, were observed on the seeds. After 5–7 months marine fungi and graminicolous Ascomycetes were the only fungi found by direct observation, although seed-borne species could still be isolated by incubation methods. The seeds were completely degraded or barely recognizable after 11 months on the marsh sediments or in seawater. Claviceps purpurea parasitized the seed heads at all the marsh areas sampled. The greatest number of sclerotia were found on the tall S. alterniflora near the lower edge of the marsh in exposed areas and on inflorescences from dredge spoil areas. Up to 183 sclerotia/m2 and sclerotia dry weight values of up to 2.72 g/m2 were found. Eight Ascomycetes, one Basidiomycete, and 16 Fungi Imperfecti were identified. Ceriosporopsis halima, Corollospora maritima, Cirrenalia macrocephala, Halosphaeria hamata, and Trichocladium achrasporum, primarily known as 'wood-inhabiting' marine fungi, occur on submerged Spartina alterniflora seeds, suggesting that these fungi are general decomposers of plant debris in marine habitats.