Fungal succession on bamboo in Hong Kong

Abstract

Fungal succession on Bambusa tuldoides has been studied in Hong Kong. Fungal communities changed over time during the decay process. Based on sporulation of fungi, the fungal communities on bamboo baits can be categorized into early colonisers, middle-stage colonisers, later colonisers, regular inhabitants and sporadic inhabitants. Fungal communities on naturally dead bamboo and baits comprised rare species and mainly middle-stage colonisers. Seasonality had an effect, as more fungi were present during the wet season. Rainfall positively impacted on fungal occurrence, but temperature and relative humidity appeared to have little influence. Anthostomella species are regular inhabitants of bamboo, being dominant throughout the observation period and probably play a dominant role in its decomposition.