Temperature-Dependence of Predator-Prey Dynamics in Interactions Between the Predatory Fungus Lecophagus sp. and Its Prey L. inermis Rotifers.

ABSTRACT: Temperature is considered an important factor that influences the bottom-up and top-down control in water habitats. We examined the influence of temperature on specific predatory-prey dynamics in the following two-level trophic system: the predatory fungus Lecophagus sp. and its prey Lecane inermis rotifers, both of which originated from activated sludge obtained from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The experiments investigating the ability of conidia to trap rotifers and the growth of fungal mycelium were performed in a temperature range that is similar to that in WWTPs in temperate climate. At 20 °C, 80% of the conidia trapped the prey during the first 24 h, whereas at 8 °C, no conidium was successful. The mycelium growth rate was the highest at 20 °C (r = 1.44) during the first 48 

SUBMITTER: Fialkowska E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5742607 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature