Effects of Wood and Wood Products on Perithecial Development by Lignicolous Marine Ascomycetes

SUMMARY

Studies are reported in which wood and wood products, incorporated into culture media, have been used to stimulate perithecial production in seven genera of lignicolous marine Ascomycetes. The species examined are not fastidious in their requirements for mycelial growth. Fertile fructifications are produced in cultures grown on balsa-wood pieces partly submerged in flasks of yeast-extract broth. Differences in the intensity of perithecial development and in the conditions necessary for reproduction are noted for the various genera. Media with powdered cellulose or wood flours, supplemented with 0.1% yeast extract, support sporulation in certain of the species.