Abstract
The surface microflora on Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco.) foliage from old-growth trees in western Oregon has been examined by epifluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. Colonies of microorganisms on both upper and lower surfaces of 1-, 3-, 5-, and 8-year-old needles from three heights in the canopy of a single tree have been counted in belt transects, and the relative abundance of various categories of microorganisms has been computed. Aggregations of microbial cells are prevalent in the midrib depression along the upper surface and in stomatal cavities and gutters between rows of epidermal cells on the lower surface. Darkly pigmented hyphae and clumps of cells occur, in general, more frequently on the upper needle surface, a habitat more subject to desiccation and UV exposure.Protococcus colonies become abundant on both upper and lower surfaces of older needles. Microbial cover was found to be significantly higher on the bottom of the needle than on the top. The factors involved in this effect are considered and discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Allen, T. F.: A microscopic pattern analysis of an epiphyllous tropical alga,Phycopeltis expansa Jennings,J. Ecol. 61 (1973), 887–899.
Bernstein, M. E., H. M. Howard and G. C. Carroll: Fluorescence microscopy of Douglas fir foliage,Can J. Microbiol. 19 (1973), 1129–1130.
Denison, W. E., D. Tracy, F. Rhoades and M. Sherwood: Direct, nondestructive measurement of biomass and structure in living old-growth Douglas fir. In: J. F. Franklin, L. J. Demster, and R. H. Waring (eds.):Research on Coniferous Forest Ecosystems, 147–158. Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Portland, Ore., 1972.
Gourbière, F.: Les champignons microscopiques liés aux aiguilles de sapin (Abies alba Mill.). 2. Variations saisonnières de la microflore des aiguilles tombantes,Bull. Soc. Mycol. Fr. 90 (1974), 325–333.
Gourbière, F.: Les champignons microscopiques liés aux aiguilles de sapin (Abies alba Mill.) 3. Microflore des aiguilles vivantes,Bull. Soc. Mycol. Fr.91 (1975), 429–441.
Last, F. T., and F. C. Deighton: The non-parasitic microflora on surfaces of living leaves,Trans. Br. Mycol. Soc. 48 (1965), 83–99.
McBride, R. P.: Larch leaf waxes utilized bySporobolomyces roseus in situ,Trans. Br. Mycol. Soc. 58 (1972), 329–331.
Palm, B. T.: On parasitic and epiphyllous algae,Ark. Botan. 25A (1934), 1–16.
Pugh, G. J. F. and G. M. Williams: Fungi associated withSalsola kali, Trans. Br. Mycol. Soc. 51 (1968), 389–396.
Ruinen, J.: The phyllosphere. IV. Cuticle decomposition by microorganisms in the phyllosphere,Ann. Inst. Pasteur Lille 111 (1966), 342–346.
Sherwood, M. and G. C. Carroll: Fungal succession on needles and young twigs of old-growth Douglas fir,Mycologia 66 (1974), 499–506.
Sokal, R. R. and F. J. Rohlf:Biometry. W. H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco, 1969.
Streiblova, E. and V. Pokorny: Multiple scars, a new type of yeast scar in apiculate yeasts,J. Bacteriol. 88 (1964), 1104–1111.
Waksman, S. A.:The Actinomycetes. Ronald Press Co., New York, 1967.
Witkamp, M.: Mineral retention by epiphyllic organisms. In: H. T. Odum and R. F. Pigeon, (eds.):A Tropical Rain Forest, H-177-H-179. USAEC Information Service, 1970.
Zar, J. H.:Biostatistical Analysis. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., 1974.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bernstein, M.E., Carroll, G.C. Microbial populations on Douglas fir needle surfaces. Microb Ecol 4, 41–52 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02010428
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02010428