A PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY IN THE GENUS TYMPANIS

Abstract

Three species of Tympanis (Helotiales) were studied in culture. The common carbohydrates were well utilized with the exception of sucrose. Approximately equal growth was made on organic and inorganic nitrogen. Only one species was totally deficient for thiamin and biotin. All species had an optimum growth temperature of 25 °C and a broad pH optimum of pH 3–5. Temperature variations produced marked cultural changes in two species. A preliminary study of the chemical properties of two pigments, and observations on fruiting habits, ascospore discharge, and ascospore germination of one species are reported.