Fall 2003 fungal monitoring -- marshgrass ergosterol content and ascospore release rates at 10 GCE sampling sites

Leaves of dominant marsh plants were collected from permanent plots in 10 GCE LTER sampling sites in order to assess the relative biomass and activity of fungal decomposers. The quantity of ergosterol, a specific fungal cell-membrane component, and the rate of ascomycete spore expulsion were measured in pooled lots of leaves from the dominant marsh vegetation at each site. Samples were collected from both creek bank and mid-marsh habitats. The dry weight and organic content of the plant material was also measured. This study is part of the GCE microbial decomposer monitoring program, and will be repeated annually to assess long-term patterns of fungal activity in relation to various environmental factors.