Spore emission, sporangium proliferation and spore germination In situ in monosporangia of Acrochaetium virgatulum

Abstract

Monospore release is effected mainly by an apical tear accompanied by momentary spore distortion, and sometimes with a distinct ‘blow-out’ of the sporangium apex; orientation of the paths of spore release is seen with serially arranged sporangia. Sporangium proliferation is common in cultures, but spore germination in situ is rare. Attempts at experimental induction of the process resulted in some sporangia with early developmental stages coming to resemble tetrasporangia.