Sporulation of Gibberella zeae. III. Carbon and nitrogen nutrition on growth and macroconidium production

Abstract

Differences in growth rates and macroconidium production occurred between shake and standing cultures of a non-sporulating strain of Gibberella zeae (Schw.) Petch. Good growth occurred on all carbon sources except lactose, acetate, citrate, and α-ketoglutarate, and on all nitrogen sources except NaNO2. The pH of the media changed during growth, dropping to about 3 with the sugar and rising to about 9 with the organic acid and nitrogen sources. Little or no sporulation was observed in standing cultures. Sugars appeared to inhibit, and tricarboxylic cycle acids, aspartic acid, and phenylalanine stimulated sporulation.