Straminipilous organisms from fallen mangrove leaves from Panay Island, Philippines

Abstract

Fallen senescent mangrove leaves from three marine mangrove sites in Panay island, Philippines were collected for observation and isolation of straminipilous organisms. A total of 11 mangrove species were sampled. Halophytophthora species were observed on 7 out of 11 mangrove species sampled, with H. vesicula as the most abundant species observed. Halphytophthora epistomium also occurred abudantly on fallen leaves of Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia sp. Thraustochytrids, on the other hand, were observed on all mangrove leaf samples except Aegiceras corniculatum. Schizochytrium mangrovei was the most abundant species observed. Their association and ecological role on the degradation of fallen mangrove leaves is discussed.