Environmental factors affecting sporulation of Fuligo septica (Myxomycetes) on sugar cane bagasse

Abstract

The influence of environmental factors on sporulation of Fuligo septica (L.) Wigg. and the abundance of this species on sugar cane bagasse (Saccharum officinarum L.), stored outdoors was studied.In Northeastern Brazil, between January/1997 and January/1998, a total of 29 specimens were collected through monthly collections of aethalia. The relationships between the abundance of aethalia and rainfall, temperature, relative humidity of the air and insolation were studied. Results indicated that on the substrate analyzed, F. septica was an abundant species. Sporulation occurred in all seasons of the year, with a well-defined peak at the end of winter and beginning of spring (August/September),which was strongly influenced by rainfall.