[Role of Corollospora maritima in the degradation and bioconversion of leaf material from Posidonia oceanica].

Posidonia oceanica supports mainly saprophytic marine flora, comprising predominantly lignicolous fungi. The frequency of occurrence of species recorded on this marine angiosperm, was high, indicating that they play a major role in the biological degradation of the sea grass Posidonia oceanica. In vitro experiments with Corollospora maritima (isolated from leaf material) were conducted in order to evaluate their role in the degradation of leaf material. Corollospora maritima actively degrade leaf material. Biophysical and biochemical changes (particle detritus formation, C and N variation), enzymatic activity involved and sterol production were studied during the transformation process of leaves to mycelial biomass.