Diversity of Mycobiota Associated with Common Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) in Northeastern Poland - Microscopic Documentation
Description
This dataset comprises a collection of 93 microscopic images taken during research on the mycobiota of Viscum album (common mistletoe) conducted from 2019 to 2022. The research focused on collecting mistletoe samples from 75 locations across Poland, with an emphasis on the north-eastern regions. The analysis identified six species of fungi associated with the mycobiota of mistletoe. Three of these taxa had not previously been detected in Poland, and one fungus was identified for the first time on V. album. The field work and laboratory investigations revealed that the wide distribution of the fungal species in question allowed their identification with the available microscopic keys. As a result, 93 microscopic images were taken containing important measurements of fungal fruiting bodies. These images are part of the supplementary material of the study, eliminating the need to isolate and purify fungal cultures for identification. This approach was considered sufficient for identification at the species level. However, genetic analyses are planned to further confirm the identification of these fungi directly from plant material. In addition, future work will focus on obtaining pure cultures of mistletoe pathogens that can be considered for various biological applications.
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The field work was carried out using the transect method (100 m) and targeted searches in areas with heavy V. album infestations. Mistletoe plants showing symptoms of fungal infection were sampled and each site was recorded with the dates of collection, host species, environmental conditions and exact GPS coordinates. In the laboratory, the fungal samples were examined under a light microscope. Taxonomic identification was carried out using standard fungal identification keys.