Morphological variations in a new species of Entophlyctis. II. Influence of growth conditions on morphology

Abstract

The extent of variation in zoosporangial and zoosporic characters of Entophlyctis variabilis was established under controlled but diverse growth conditions. The frequency of the three patterns of thallus development varied in each isolate and with different media, but on each medium the type I developmental pattern predominated. Zoosporangial pigmentation of each isolate differed and varied with growth media, exposure to light, and age. The size and shape of zoosporangia depended upon temperature and nutrient source. Nutrient source also influenced the number and morphology of rhizoids and discharge tubes. Although zoospore body size varied with the nutrient source, flagellum length did not vary. The taxonomic significance of the many differences observed in the morphology of thalli of E. variabilis is assessed.