Fungi on Juncus roemerianus. 6. Glomerobolus gen. nov., the first ballistic member of Agonomycetales

Abstract

Glomerobolus gelineus gen. et sp. nov., a new member of the Agonomycetales is described from Juncus roemerianus salt marshes in North Carolina with special emphasis on the unique discharge mechanism. The species G. gelineus is characterized by a reproductive structure that we term hyphoma, consisting of exclusively sterile hyphae within a gelatinous matrix and producing a ballistic propagule. The discharge process is based on the uptake of water by the gelatinous matrix causing the propagule to be ejected forcefully to a distance of at least 33 cm. It is compared to forceful discharge mechanisms of reproductive projectiles in other fungi. The ejected propagule sticks to the Juncus surface and immediately starts to produce new mycelium that penetrates its host through stornata or damaged areas, thus colonizing a new culm. Hyphomata develop between 50 and 90 cm above the rhizome. We therefore consider the fungus to be halotolerant.

Key Words:

• ballistic propagules
• hyphoma
• Mycelia sterilia