Effects of Salinity, Ph, Organic Solutes, Anaerobic Conditions and the Presence of Other Microbes on Production and Survival of Lagenidium Giganteum (Oomycetes; Lagenidiales) Zoospores
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
Volume
45
Issue
3
Publication Date
5-1-1985
First Page
331
Last Page
338
Abstract
The effects of several environmental factors on the production of viable zoospores by Lagenidium giganteum were determined by counts of germlings produced after induction of zoosporogenesis by suspension of mycelium in various substances. NaCl at a concentration of 0.6 g/liter virtually eliminated zoosporogenesis. At 0.2 g/liter NaCl there was a significant reduction in four of the five fungal isolates tested. Transmission of fungus between mosquito larvae at 0.8 g/liter NaCl suggests that estimates of solute effects from in vitro studies are exaggerated. Zoosporogenesis took place from pH 4.5 to 8.4 by three isolates and from 4.5 to 8 by two other isolates (±0.2). Anaerobic conditions halted zoosporogenesis. Reintroduction of oxygen within 7 days allowed the process to resume, but with reduced production for each day under anaerobic conditions. Five species of bacteria inhibited zoosporogenesis at concentrations of 107–108 cells/ml. The yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was inhibitory at 106 cells/ml. Three sugars, a sugar alcohol, three amino acids, and peptone all reduced zoosporogenesis at levels that generally correlated positively with their nutritional values for the fungus. Peptone, which can support lush vegetative growth of L. giganteum in the absence of other nutrients, was far more effective in inhibiting zoosporogenesis than the other solutes.
Recommended Citation
Lord, J.C. and Roberts, D.W. 1985. Effects of salinity, pH, organic solutes, anaerobic conditions and the presence of other microbes on production and survival of Lagenidium giganteum (Oomycetes; Lagenidiales) zoospores. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 45: 331 338.