Physical factors influencing the growth of protoplasts of Entomophaga grylli

Abstract

Selected physical parameters were examined to enhance the growth of protoplasts of Entomophaga grylli in Grace's tissue culture medium. The pH range of 6.2–6.7 permitted protoplast growth with pH 6.7 being optimal. The protoplasts grew well over a temperature range of 20–30 °C. The optimum temperature was 30 °C. Shaken cultures grew faster and in shorter chains than did stationary cultures. The optimum osmolality was 325–350 mosmol/kg. The osmolality of the serum of the insect host, Dissosteira Carolina, ranged from 318 to 389 mosmol/kg.