Ultrastructural studies on conidiomata, conidiophores, and conidiogenous cells in six lichen-forming Ascomycetes

Abstract

The conidiomata, conidiophores, and conidia of six lichen-forming Ascomycetes were investigated using the scanning electron microscope, and conidium development in two of these species was studied by transmission electron microscopy. Phialidic (micro) conidium formation was observed in the mycobiont of Parmelia tiliacea, Physconia pulverulacea, and Cladonia furcata (Lecanorales), in Lobaria laetevirens (Peltigerales), and in Caloplaca aurantia (Teloschistales). Annellations, first described by Vobis on the basis of light and transmission electron microscope investigations, were also found in scanning electron microscope preparations of macroconidia bearing conidiogenous cells of Lecanactis abietina (Opegraphales). Ultrastructural and developmental studies on conidiophore structure and conidium formation may be of interest for taxonomic and evolutionary considerations in lichen-forming fungi.