ECOLOGY OF MANGROVE FUNGI AND THEIR ROLE IN NUTRIENT CYCLING - WHAT GAPS OCCUR IN OUR KNOWLEDGE

Recent investigations have increased our knowledge of the ecology of mangrove fungi. In this paper this information is reviewed with emphasis on biogeography, biodiversity, differences in the tropical and subtropical mycoflora, fungal distribution on mangroves trees, host specificity, vertical zonation and distribution with salinity. Gaps in our knowledge are discussed. There is little knowledge of the role of mangrove fungi in nutrient cycling which is also reviewed. Areas in which knowledge is deficient include quantification techniques for fungal abundance, the nature and activities of fungal extracellular enzymes and fungal modification of mangrove detritus matter, especially the dissolved form.