Some aspects of the germination of spores of Pithomyces chartarum (Berk. & Curt.) M. B. Ellis

Abstract

Occasionally a germinating spore of Pithomyces chartarum (Berk. & Curt.) M. B. Ellis has been noted on fresh green leaves of white clover and perennial ryegrass in aqueous mounts during spore counting. Germination is markedly favoured by aeration. Fragments of spores are intermittently seen on white clover leaves. These fragments appear to be the result of germination of the spores but no recognisable mycelium has been noted to be associated with them.

Four collections of spores from pasture and from the C-isolate grown in culture showed high viability in laboratory germination experiments. At the optimum temperature (23–24°c) germination of the field spores commenced within ½ hr. Spores of the C-isolate were slower in starting to germinate.

As suitable conditions of temperature and moisture for germination are likely to be presented to the spores on green leaves of herbage during summer and autumn it is questioned whether spores on leaves are viable. The fate of the spores on green leaves is important in studies on the fluctuation of spore loads thereon.