Conidium ontogeny in hyphomycetes. The arthrospores of Oidiodendron and Geotrichum, and the endoarthrospores of Sporendonema

Abstract

The development of the arthrospores of Oidiodendron and Geotrichum, and the endoarthrospores of Sporendonema, is analyzed by time-lapse photomicrography. The process is not one of exclusively basipetal septation, maturation, and disarticulation, as most previous authors have maintained. The differences between arthrospores and endoarthrospores are seen, in at least one case, to be more profound than has hitherto been suggested. The several ontogenies of arthrospores, endoarthrospores, and meristem arthrospores are differentiated for taxonomic purposes.