The occurrence of Achlya recurva (Saprolegniales, Oomycetes) in hydrocarbon-polluted soil from Argentina

Saprolegniaceae are ubiquitous filamentous water molds. They occur as saprotrophs or parasitic on aquatic and terrestial plants and on aquatic animals, and a number of interesting fungi belonging to the Saprolegniaceae have been isolated from the soil. In the course of an investigation of the water molds in Argentina, an unusual species of Achlya was isolated once from soil collections. Brassica napus seeds were used as bait as well as for the maintenance of this fungus in gross water cultures. Achlya recurva Cornu (Saprolegniales, Oomycetes), was isolated from a hydrocarbon-polluted soil (crude oil) in the neighborhood of an oil tank from a distillery (Ensenada, Buenos Aires Province). This species is reported, described and illustrated for the first time from Argentina. Remarks on the habitat are also made because it was never found in polluted areas.