Decomposition and fungal colonization of Fontinalis antipyretica var. gracilis (Bryophyta)

The decomposition of Fontinalis antipyretica var, gracilis was studied with the litterbag technique in a softwater stream between May and October. The daily exponential decay coefficient was 0.0054. Phenolics declined exponen tially from an initial value of 1.43 % with a daily loss rate of 3.9 %. A t otal of 22 aquatic hyphomycete species was found on moss during 20 wks. of stream exposure, with the numbers per sampling date fluctuating between 4 a fter one wk. and 16 after 8 wks. Ergosterol content of decaying moss reache d a maximum of 373 mug/g dry mass. Spore production and ergosterol levels i n live stream-collected moss (May to November) were less than 1 % of the ma xima of litterbag moss.