DEVELOPMENT AND TAXONOMY OF APIOSPORINA COLLINSII

Abstract

The ascocarp of Apiosporina collinsii is a pseudothecium which develops from a subiculum. It has pseudoparaphyses, bitunicate asci and an irregular pore in the apical region. The centrum development is of the Pleospora-type and the production of ascogenous hyphae is similar to that described for Spororomia leporina. Apiosporina collinsii is classified in the Venturiaceae, Pleosporales and Loculoascomycetes.The restriction of the parasite to one or a few branches of the host Amelanchier alnifolia is due to the production of cork cells which isolate infected areas in the stem. The retention of infected leaves is associated with cork which surrounds the leaf traces in the petioles.