Myxobiota of the İskenderun Gulf (Mediterranean Sea/Türkiye) and its Environment

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to determine the myxobiota of the Iskenderun Bay and its environment. Material and methods: This study was carried out on samples collected from 9 different stations in İskenderun Bay district in 2019-2022. Myxomycetes samples was collected from leaf, tree bark, decayed and non-rotting plant materials. Our aim is to detect both the Myxobiota of this region and the halophytic myxomycetes species. In the collected samples, it has been developed myxomycete sporophores by using moist chamber technique. In addition, myxomycetes which were developed in their natural environment were collected. Results: As a result of the field and laboratory studies, 161 samples from different localities were collected and processed and 111 myxomycete samples were obtained from these samples. 41 species belonging to 6 ordo, 12 families and 20 genera have been defined. 3 species were obtained only from natural environment, 30 species were obtained only from moist chamber culture, 8 species obtained both moist chamber culture and natural area Discussion: Arcyria cinerea, Didymium difforme, D. squamulosum and Physarum pusillum determined as Abundant. While the number of species is rare in the seaside regions, It was observed that the further away from the sea, the number of species increased, especially in forest areas. Arcyria cinerea, Didimium difforme, and D. dubium are the most common species on the beach and near the seaside. While cosmopolitan species were observed in abundance, Physarida members were found to be common in our study area. Conclusions: In this study, it has been contributed to Myxobiota of Turkey.