| Corticolous myxomycetes of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Daniel Boone National Forest, and Berea College Forest were studied on six tree species (30 trees) and grapevines (30) to examine the distribution and occurrence in relation to bark pH, water absorption, thickness, and percent cover of epiphytes. The double-rope climbing technique was used to access the canopy. Bark in moist chamber cultures (580) was examined, resulting in 44 myxomycete species, representing 19 genera, and averaging 3.0+/-2.1 species per site. Vertical variation in bark thickness, water absorption, species richness was significantly different for Platanus occidentalis. Occurrence and species assemblages of myxomycetes were associated with bark pH. Bark pH of Vitis aestivalis(4.5) was lower when associated with Tsuga canadensis(4.1). Cribraria violacea was found on all tree and grapevine species except T. canadensis and associated grapevines. Results indicate that although some myxomycetes are restricted to a certain pH range, others develop on any substratum. |
