Isolation, identification and seasonal distribution of soilborne fungi in tea growing areas of Iyidere-Ikizdere vicinity (Rize-Turkey).

This study involves the isolation and identification of soil borne fungi from different altitudes of Iyidere-Ikizdere vicinity in Rize, Turkey. The qualitative and quantitative fungal composition of the soil of Iyidere-Ikizdere vicinity was surveyed seasonally during a year (between summer 2003 and spring 2004). The soil samples were collected from 10 different locations. Some physical and chemical properties of the soil samples were studied. Soil samples were observed to have the proper pH levels (pH 4.00-6.75) for the growth of microfungi. By using a soil dilution technique, the mycological analysis of 40 soil samples were studied at 25 cm depth. The number of microfungi ranged from 2,000-160,000 CFU g(-1). 249 different microfungi belonging to 15 genera were isolated. 45 of the isolates were Mycelia Sterilia. Penicillium, Aspergillus, Trichoderma and Fusarium were the most abundant genera (26.8%, 14.8%, 9.6% and 8.4%, respectively). Penicillium phialosporum, Penicillium trzebinskianum and Gliocladium virens were reported for the first time in Turkey.