An analysis of fungal propagules transported to the Henryk Arctowski Antarctic Station

Abstract

During three austral summer seasons, dust and soil from clothes, boots and equip− ment of members of scientific expeditions and tourists visiting the Polish Antarctic Station Henryk Arctowski were collected and analysed for the presence of fungal propagules. Of a to− tal of 60 samples, 554 colonies of fungi belonging to 19 genera were identified. Colonies of the genus Cladosporium, Penicillium and non−sporulating fungus (Mycelia sterilia) domi− nated in the examined samples. The microbiological assessment of air for the presence of fungi was also conducted at two points in the station building and two others outside the sta− tion. A total of 175 fungal colonies belonging to six genera were isolated. Colonies of the ge− nus Penicillium were the commonest in the air samples. The potential epidemiological conse− quences for indigenous species as a result of unintentional transport of fungal propagules to the Antarctic biome are discussed in the light of rapid climate change in some parts of the Ant− arctic and adaptation of fungi to extreme conditions.

Poa annuaL. in the maritime Antarctic: an overview

“…In a subsequent study the cargo, clothes and equipment of the Polish Antarctic Expeditions to Arctowski were examined for the presence of alien propagules. This study showed that a substantial number of non-indigenous propagules enters Arctowski every year (Lityńska-Zając and others 2012; Augustyniuk-Kram and others 2013; Chwedorzewska and others 2013). Among them were caryopses and remains of spikelets of P. annua .…”

“…As well as the tourist visits, at the same time the number of expedition members working at Arctowski ranged from 13 to 39 bringing more than 50 tons of cargo per year (Arctowski Station logbook). Despite the high tourist traffic in some Antarctic stations, the main introduction routes seems to be associated with the provisioning of the stations by cargo and personnel (Frenot and others 2005; Chwedorzewska and Korczak 2010; Chown and others 2012a, 2012b; Lityńska-Zając and others 2012; Augustyniuk-Kram and others 2013; Chwedorzewska and others 2013; Huiskes and others 2014) and earlier by industrial activity in the sub-Antarctic as well as in the Antarctic (Frenot and others 2005).…”

“…The area has recently been warming up rapidly (Turner and others 2013). These newcomers are potentially imported every year by human vectors (Chwedorzewska and Korczak 2010; Chown and others 2012a, 2012b; Lityńska-Zając and others 2012; Augustyniuk-Kram and others 2013; Chwedorzewska and others 2013; Huiskes and others 2014) and/or already are deposited in the soil seed bank (Wódkiewicz and others 2013, 2014; Cuba-Díaz and others 2013). They may await for favorable conditions and establish in the vegetation when environmental conditions ameliorate.…”

Importation of psychrotolerant fungi to Antarctica associated with wooden cargo packaging

“…Antarctic communities may be at risk if fungal strains are introduced from outside Antarctica or moved between different Antarctic regions (Cowan et al 2011, Hughes et al 2015a). Introduced fungi may compete with native Antarctic species, alter existing nutrient cycling or cause disease in native flora and fauna (Bridge & Hughes 2010, Augustyniuk-Kram 2013). For example, on sub-Antarctic Marion Island, the non-native Botrytis cinerea Pers.…”

“…The Antarctic continent has been subject to human visitation for less than 200 years, but the extent of national Antarctic operator and tourism industry activity is increasing, resulting in greater risk of non-native species introductions (Frenot et al 2005, Tin et al 2009, Hughes et al 2011a, 2015b). While research attention has focused on the importation of plant propagules and invertebrates (Whinam et al 2005, Lee & Chown 2009, Hughes et al 2010a, 2010b, Chown et al 2012, Lityńska-Zając et al 2012, Tsujimoto & Imura 2012, Chwedorzewska et al 2013, Huiskes et al 2014), less attention has been paid to the threat of importing non-native microorganisms to Antarctica (Broady & Smith 1994, Cowan et al 2011, Augustyniuk-Kram 2013) and in particular the risk associated with contaminated timber packing materials (Osyczka 2010, Osyczka et al 2012).…”