Abstract
SINCE the description of Rhopalomyces elegans by Corda1, numerous investigators have unsuccessfully attempted to germinate its spores and to grow it in pure culture. As a consequence, the systematic position of this fungus has been in doubt, and the repeated suggestion that R. elegans is parasitic on nematodes or their eggs could not be proved. Martin2 has published a useful summary. Based on studies of material found on various substrata, Boedijn3 recently erected the family Helicocephalidaceae to include this fungus in the Mucorales. Rhopalomyces minor, a new species reported by Windisch4, is not considered by us to be a member of the genus sensu Corda, because R. minor has regularly septate mycelia and conidiophores. He is, therefore, not the first to have a member of this genus in pure culture for study.
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References
Corda, A. C. J., Prachtflora, 3, pl. 2 (1839).
Martin, G. W., Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 67, 139 (1960).
Boedijn, K. B., Sydowia Ann. Mycolo., Ser. II, 12, 321 (1958).
Windisch, S., Zentr. Bakteriol. Parasitenk., II, Abt., 113, 679 (1960).
Ling-Young, M., Rev. Gén. Botan., 42, 551 (1930).
Lendner, A., Bull. Soc. Botan. Genève, 13, 8 (1921).
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ELLIS, J., HESSELTINE, C. Rhopalomyces and Spinellus in Pure Culture and the Parasitism of Rhopalomyces on Nematode Eggs. Nature 193, 699–700 (1962). https://doi.org/10.1038/193699a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/193699a0
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