NUTRITIONAL STUDIES ON PYCNIDIOPHORA DISPERSA CLUM, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO PERITHECIA FORMATION

Abstract

Pycnidiophora dispersa Clum was isolated from jute and found to be a strong decomposer of this fiber, but not of pure cellulose. The effect of certain carbohydrates, nitrogen compounds, trace elements, and accessory growth factors as well as pH and temperature on the growth and perithecia formation of this fungus was studied. None of the carbohydrates tested gave appreciable growth or perithecia formation in liquid medium, but an initial low concentration of each produced both when tested on solid medium. Of the nitrogen compounds tested only peptone had any effect, which was probably caused by impurities. Pure vitamins and trace elements induced neither growth nor fruiting. Malt extract, yeast extract, and the culture filtrate of an Actinomyces sp. all stimulated growth and fruiting. The filtrate factor and malt extract factor were found to be insoluble in organic solvents, heat-resistant, and adsorbed by charcoal.