Ultrastructural aspects of conidiogenesis in the entomogenous hyphomycete Nomuraea rileyi

Abstract

Conidia in Nomuraea rileyi are produced basipetally from a phialide apex. Production of primary and all successive conidia appears to be enteroblastic, and only the inner, newly formed wall layer of the phialide surrounds developing conidia. Conidium formation ceases as layers of inner wall material accumulate at the phialide apex. In some cases, a pluglike structure resembling a Woronin body may cause cessation of conidiogenesis. Conidia are delimited by formation of a double septum. Since one half of the septum forms the base of the "older" conidium and the other half forms the apex of the next conidium, separation of successive conidia is schizolytic. Plasmalemmasomes, lomasomes, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum are often seen in association with septa and walls of conidiogenous cells. Transverse fibrils may be observed in some walls. Extensive vacuolization is common in older cells. Glycogen is present in conidiogenous cells and in conidia, which become very electron dense as they mature. An extranuclear plaque, an ascomycetous characteristic, may be observed on the nuclear envelope.