Fungal parasites as a factor affecting the dynamics of microalgal communities

This bachelor thesis deals with fungal parasites which are an important factor that affects the dynamics of microalgal communities. Here I sum up the knowledge of parasites especially from Oomycota and Chytridiomycota along with a little focus on other groups. The basic characteristics of these fungal parasites, such as their host specificity and factors that affect their spreading ability between algal hosts, are summarized. The abiotic factors such as light and temperature, which are the most important factors causing epidemic, are mainly discussed. The fungal parasites can change the maximal population size and are able to alter the competitive relationships in microalgal communities. These factors are discussed in individual algal groups. The fungal parasites could be a negative economic player of the bioindustry and their future role in this industry is also discussed. Key words: parasite, host, host specificity, communities dynamics, algae, fungi, phytoplankto