Halophilic black yeasts colonize wood immersed in hypersaline water

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Abstract
Various halophilic black yeasts were isolated from hypersaline water in solar salterns. Yeast population dynamics at different water salinities suggested the presence of several microhabitats. Sampling of wood immersed in hypersaline water containing up to 32% NaCl revealed frequent colonization with the black yeast species Trimmatostroma salinum and Hortaea werneckii. Growth on wood was determined by light- and scanning electron microscopy. Isolates of both species showed xylanolytic and lignolytic activity under hypersaline and non-saline conditions; T. salinum displayed cellulolytic activity as well. These results suggest an active lignicolous saprobic role of halophilic fungi in hypersaline water environments.