Characterization of fungi from different ecosystems of tropical peat in Sarawak, Malaysia

Conversion of logged-over peatlands in Malaysia to oil palm plantations have led to changes in the microbial community in peat soil, mainly fungi. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify and compare the fungal species in four sites with different gradient of disturbances, namely a primary forest (Maludam NP), a logged-over forest (Cermat Ceria LOF), a 7.5-year-old oil palm plantation (Durafarm OPP), and an 11.5-year-old oil palm plantation (Naman OPP) by using a culture-dependent method. Fungi were isolated and identified based on morphological and molecular characterizations. The 18S rRNA gene was amplified, sequenced, and compared for the closest match in GenBank. Quantification of total fungal viable count, soil nutrients, and environmental aspects was also carried out. The total fungal viable count was not significantly different in all sites. Phylum Ascomycota was the dominant taxon isolated from all sites, which was about 90%. Basidiomycota and Zygomycota were also identified but found in low percentages. The most prevalent species for the different sites were Aspergillus fumigatus (20.6%) in Maludam NP, Penicillium chrysogenum in Cermat Ceria LOF (24.3%), Hypocrea muroiana in Durafarm OPP (27.4%), and Hypocrea atroviridis in Naman OPP (20%). Most of the species isolated were saprophytic fungi involved in decomposition of peat. In conclusion, fungal species composition in Sarawak peatlands with different gradient of disturbances was different in each site. © 2018, Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei.