Comparison of cyst and sporangium wall widths in species of Dictyuchus, Brevilegnia, and Achlya

Abstract

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of wall widths in Achlya debaryana, Dictyuchus anomalus, D. pseudodictyon, and Brevilegnia minutandra reveal statistically significant differences among the isolates. Achlya debaryana has the thickest sporangium walls, followed in order by D. anomalus, D. pseudodictyon, and B. minutandra. A correlation exists between wall widths and the type of spore release characteristic of the genus. The results are discussed in terms of variation in spore release patterns in saprolegniaceous fungi.