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Spore germination in the higher Basidiomycetes

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Proceedings / Indian Academy of Sciences

Abstract

This survey of the spore germination requirements in the Hymenomycetes and the Gasteromycetes shows that saprophytes as xylophiles, which decompose wood and forest litter, and coprophiles, which live on dung, usually germinate easily even on simple nutrient media. Species forming ectomycorrhiza with trees or living as parasites require as a rule more particular conditions for germination. In the mycorrhiza-formers, chiefly agarics and boleti, germination can often be induced by exudates from tree roots or certain yeasts, in species ofLeccinum by exudate from self mycelium. The heartrot fungi, chiefly those species of Aphyllophorales which are parasites on trees, germinate preferably when exposed to an increased CO2 content in the air or to exudates of certain micro-organisms. In many praticolous fungi, which are supposed to parasitize roots of grasses and herbs, germination is stimulated by various yeasts. The possibility of interpreting these particular germination conditions as adaptations to a parasitic or symbiotic life is discussed.

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  1. Institute of Physiological Botany, University of Uppsala, Box 540, S-751 21, Uppsala, Sweden

    Nils Fries

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Fries, N. Spore germination in the higher Basidiomycetes. Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. 93, 205–222 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03053077

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