Search

Fusarium wilt of watermelon, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum, is a destructive disease that limits watermelon production in many areas of the world. The discovery of several pyrenomycetous ascomycetes occurring naturally in association with different formae speciales of F. oxysporum identified these fungi as potential biological control organisms for watermelon wilt. One such mycoparasitic isolate, identified as Sphaerodes retispora var. retispora, was chosen for biological control and ecological trials in the greenhouse. Four different methods to inoculate the mycoparasite were evaluated, three of which utilized the parasite encapsulated into sodium alginate pellets. The other method employed root-dipping plants with mycoparasite ascospore suspensions. Ecological factors also were investigated, including the ability of S. retispora var. retispora to colonize watermelon roots, and its ability to survive in soil over time and reduce propagules of F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum. In the biological control studies, the use of the mycoparasite significantly reduced plant mortality and increased dry weights of watermelon plants after being challenged with F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum, compared with pathogen-inoculated controls. It appears that the incorporation of the parasite into alginate pellets in the planting mix at seeding may be the most practical method for future field evaluations of transplant-grown vegetable crops. In the ecological studies, the mycoparasite was recovered from infested soil after 9 months, but was only isolated from watermelon roots when applied in the presence of F. oxysporum. S. retispora var. retispora had no effect on F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum propagules after being applied to soils in the greenhouse.

Eleven wild-caught Fly River turtle hatchlings, Carettochelys insculpta, were presented for anorexia and circular shell lesions. One animal died shortly after arrival, and three others within the next month. Necropsy of two animals and one shell biopsy revealed systemic and shell mycoses. A biopsy culture demonstrated infection due to Paecilomyces lilacinus, a ubiquitous fungal pathogen rarely affecting mammals, fish, and reptiles. Malachite green, formaldehyde, and parenteral itraconazole were used to effectively treat the shell lesions. In addition, changes in husbandry were made, and included frequent water changes, increasing the salinity to 7 ppt, increasing the water temperature to 32°C (90°F), and provision of enteral support.

Ascosporogenesis in Tarzetta is, in many respects, very similar to that of other discomycetes in the Pezizaceae, Helvellaceae, and Morchellaceae. There is, however, no condensation of globular secondary wall material within the perisporic sac, a condition similar to the type of secondary wall formation observed in Pulvinula and Geopyxis (Otideaceae). Two stages in the spore ontogeny of Tarzetta are very distinct from spore ontogeny in other Pezizales: (i) epispore is formed without inclusion of spinelike precursors but instead with interconnecting periclinal fragments, and (ii) an electron‐opaque primary wall (or initial wall) is deposited between two spore‐delimiting membranes. These features of spore ontogeny suggest that Tarzetta may not be as closely related to other genera of Otideaceae, where it has been traditionally placed.

Five pyrenomycete isolates found in asso- ciation with different form species of Fusarium oxy- sporum were evaluated for their in vitro ability to par- asitize the watermelon wilt pathogen (E oxysporum f. sp. niveum). Several assays were also developed that attempted to measure damage to the wilt pathogen directly in culture. The pyrenomycetes used for path- ogenicity and parasitism tests included three isolates of Sphaerodes retispora var. retispora, and one each of Melanospora zamiae and Persiciospora moreaui. A col- lection of 24 different isolates of E oxysporum was employed to define a parasitic host range for this group of pyrenomycetes within the species oxyspo- rum. The ability to sporulate on the Fusarium hosts was the primary criterion used for establishing host ranges. Results indicated that all five isolates were ca- pable of parasitizing the wilt pathogen, but P moreaui was the only one that caused no detectable damage in both the aerial hyphal reduction and growth in- hibition assays. Melanospora induced significant dam- age with the growth inhibition assay only. Significant differences were observed among and between the pyrenomycetes and the different form species in terms of ability to parasitize and reproduce.

Ascosporogenesis in Ascobolus stictoideus is studied and compared with that found in other members of Pezizales. Early phases of ascus development involving spore delimiting membranes from the plasmalemma and spore formation within the epiplasm are much like those of other species of Pezizales, with the exception of the appearance of organelles, such as pigmented bodies and net bodies, which are not found in other taxa. Primary spore walls are very thick and electron translucent. Opaque globular bodies, amorphous dense material derived from net bodies, and dense membrane‐bound bodies associated with the endoplasmic reticulum appear in the epiplasm and later play a role in spore wall formation. Dense granular bodies containing small particles are transported from the epiplasm into the perisporic sac along with pigmented bodies. These deeply opaque bodies increase in size, appear to coalesce, and are deposited onto the epispore layer of the spore. The phylogenetic significance of spore wall development is d...

The ultrastructure of spores and hyphae of a Glomus isolate (INVAM-906/312); structure and development are described with both light and transmission electron microscopy. The spore wall is formed by two layers in one group; the outer is evanescent and formed by an amorphous matrix, whereas the inner wall layer is laminated and has fibrils that seem to be arranged in an arcuate pattern as observed in other glomalean spores. The spore has a more complex wall structure than hyphae. The content of both spore and hyphae also differs regarding the presence and distribution of lipid globules, vesicles, and other structures. Intracytoplasmic bacterium-like organisms (BLOs) were observed in spores and germ tubes; some of these BLOs were apparently undergoing binary fission.

In winter, children with mold allergy may develop persistent cold-like symptoms (PCLS) that often defy conventional therapy. To investigate the cause of PCLS, we enrolled 44 children (25 with PCLS and 19 controls) in a 2-year study to compare their clinical symptoms and the mold count in their homes. Children with PCLS had a higher percent of eosinophils in nasal smears as compared with those without PCLS (32% vs 26%). On a scale of 0 to 3, the PCLS group had higher symptom scores (P

Galiella is one of the genera of the dark-colored apothecial Sarcosomataceae, tribe Galielleae, with cyanophilous spore markings. Ultrastructural studies show that spore wall development of Galiella rufa is similar to the subgenus Discina of Gyromitra in Helvellaceae and to the other Sarcosomataceae, especially Plectania nannfeldtii, which both have fine secondary wall spore ornaments. The multinucleate ascospores found in G. rufa may show relationship to the Morchellaceae and the Helvellaceae. Keywords: ascospore ontogeny, Galiella, Sarcosomataceae, ultrastructure.

Trichophaea (Otideaceae) is a group of small, setose, operculate discomycetes that produce smooth or ornamented guttulate spores and have apothecia without carotinoid pigments. Their relationship to species of Humaria and Tricharina has not always been clear. Recent ultrastructural studies seem to support the inclusion of the spherical-spored Sphaerosporella in Trichophaea, a traditionally ellipsoid-spored genus. In an ultrastructure study of spore development in Trichophaea abundans and Trichophaea paludosa, two patterns of spore development were found, one in T. abundans in which there is no secondary wall in mature spores and another in T. paludosa in which there is a highly ornamented secondary wall. The types of spore development in these species are compared and contrasted with those of other Otideaceae. A reexamination of the limits of Trichophaea is indicated.

Some species of the genera Phillipsia and Wynnea have similar longitudinally ridged cyanophobic ascospore markings. Ultrastructural studies show that the cyanophobic spore markings are part of the primary wall. In contrast, the cyanophilous spore ornaments are formed by the secondary wall. The observation of spore wall development indicates that the sources of the spore wall components are the sporoplasm and the epiplasm. Based on the pinkish hymenial color of fresh young apothecia and the cyanophobic spore ridges found only in some members of the Sarcoscyphaceae, Wynnea belongs to the Sarcoscyphaceae. Keywords: Pezizales, Phillipsia, Sarcoscyphaceae, spore wall ontogeny, ultrastructure, Wynnea.

Pseudoplectania and Plectania currently belong to the Sarcosomataceae, tribe Sarcosomateae, a group with members lacking cyanophilic spore markings (absorbing a blue stain). The two genera are morphologically similar in having blackish discoid-shaped apothecia but differ in having globose and ellipsoid spores, respectively. Ultrastructural studies show that ascospores of Pseudoplectania nigrella (Pers. ex Fr.) Fuckel lack a secondary wall layer. On the contrary, Plectania nannfeldtii Korf has secondary spore wall ornamentation that is cyanophilic under a light microscope. The data suggest retention of Pseudoplectania nigrella in the Sarcosomateae; however, the position of certain species of Plectania needs to be reevaluated. Key words: Pezizales, Plectania, Pseudoplectania, Sarcosomataceae, spore ontogeny, ultrastructure.

The scarlet cup fungus, Sarcoscypha coccinea (Pezizales), has been suggested to be a complex of species. Spore ontogeny of S. coccinea, S. dudleyi, and S. occidentalis were studied ultrastructurall...

Several phylogenetic schemes for the relationship of Sarcoscyphaceae and Sarcosomataceae to the other Pezizales have been suggested. These schemes, however, have used traditional macroscopic and light microscope data. Ultrastructural works on septal structures of reproductive and vegetative hyphae have been shown useful in studying phylogenetic relationships at the familial level in the Pezizales. Septal structures of vegetative hyphae of Sarcoscyphaceae are similar to those of most other Pezizales, but septal pore plugs associated with asci and ascogenous hyphae are similar to those of epigeous and hypogeous Otideaceae. Septal structures of vegetative hyphae in the Sarcosomataceae display various organelles identical to those of Sarcoscyphaceae, Otideaceae, Morchellaceae, and Helvellaceae. The septal structures of reproductive hyphae in the Sarcosomataceae are intermediate between the Aleurieae (Otideaceae) and the Morchellaceae. Based on septal structures, the Sarcoscyphaceae and Sarcosomataceae appear ...

Ultrastructural studies of septa in ascogenous hyphae, asci, and vegetative cells were conducted on three species of Tuber and compared with results obtained from several epigeous Pezizales. Septal pore organelles in the asci and ascogenous hyphae of Tuber californicum and Tuber maculatum were similar to those in taxa of Otideaceae, while those of Tuber n.sp. J&T 6003 were like those of Helvellaceae, Morchellaceae, and Sarcosomataceae. The types of Woronin bodies associated with septa of vegetative cells were also similar to those of some Helvellaceae and Morchellaceae. These data indicate that Tuber may be a biological rather than a phylogenetic taxon.

Summary Haustorial morphology of the cone-rust pathogen, C. conigenum, was investigated among naturally infected female strobili of three Guatemalan pines, P. maximinoi, P. pseudostrobus, and P. oocarpa. Among the three pine species, haustorial shapes and sizes were more variable in P. maximinoi and P. oocarpa than in P. pseudostrobus. The haustorial shapes and sizes were more variable in parenchyma cells of the cortex, xylem, and pith than in the cells in the phloem, xylem rays, and tracheids. The haustoria were also present in larger numbers in the parenchyma cells of the cortex, xylem, and pith than in phloem parenchyma cells and tracheids. In living cells, the tips of some haustoria were appressed to the host nuclei.

Seventy-five children (ages 4 to 14 years) with perennial rhinitis caused by mold allergy (36 had asthma) were enrolled in an air-cleaner study for 2 years. Symptom scores prior to the study were compared with scores 1 and 2 years after placement of air-cleaners in the bedrooms. Forty-two homes were surveyed for mold count in the air in summer and winter, and the results compared with symptom changes. Improvements were found in quality of sleep (96 vs. 99%), sneezing (80 vs. 90%), scratchy throat (75 vs. 80%), night cough (75 vs. 83%), better mood in the morning (65 vs. 80%), postnasal drip (70 vs. 77%), nasal congestion (70 vs. 72%), night wheezing (70 vs. 83%), and sinus infection (50 vs. 55%). Parents reported a decrease in the use of both over-the-counter (76 vs. 80%) and prescription (43 vs. 48%) drugs. When the weekly symptom score sheets were compared, symptom recurrence rates were found to be clustered in the winter. These symptoms were cough (35%), nasal congestion (35%), sinus infection (32%), a...

Studies were conducted to determine the morphology and ultrastructure of spores of Glomus intraradices, a species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus that usually produces its spores inside the host root. Different wall structures are observed and wall development is described with both light microscopy and TEM. In mature spores the wall is formed by two zones: an outer, disintegrating zone and an inner zone with several layers. Mature spores have large centrally located lipid droplets and a peripheral layer of cytoplasm containing numerous nuclei, mitochondria, polyphosphate granules, and small lipid droplets.

Trichophaea brunnea is a small, pyrophylic, operculate discomycete with hyaline, uniguttulate ascospores and an excipulum fringed with short, brownish, tapering hairs. Most recent literature places the species in Sphaerosporella because of its smooth spherical spores, as opposed to ellipsoid spores of other species of Trichophaea. Ellipsoid-spored species of Trichophaea have both smooth and ornamented ascospores with variable guttulation and other apothecial characters. These differences raise questions as to the relationship of T. brunnea to other species of Trichophaea. In this article we examine the fine structure of spore wall development in T. brunnea to determine if it is comparable to that of ellipsoid-spored species. We found that while early stages of spore ontogeny are similar, there are differences in staining properties of the primary wall of three species compared, but wall development in T brunnea is much like that in the type T. abundans The pattern of deposition and staining properties of ...

Morphological and ultrastructural studies were conducted to describe germ tube formation in Gigaspora albida. A unique method of germination, involving the formation of a special chamber for germ t...

Various data are currently being used to show phylogenetic relationships of epigeous cup fungi (Pezizales) and truffles (Tuberales). We studied ontogeny of the ascospore wall, spore ornament development, and septa of vegetative and reproductive hyphae of Genea gardnerii by TEM. Ultrastructural and cytological features of G gardnerii link Genea to the transitional type of epigeous Otideaceae in the Pezizales. The evidence includes the presence of a fan-shaped septal plugging structure with a double translucent band at each side of the plug at the base of the ascus and a transitional type of spore wall deposition similar to Lachneae of the Otideaceae.

Morphological and ultrastructural studies were carried out to describe spore wall structure in Gigaspora albida. Spores at different stages of development were observed, with different wall pattern...

Morphological and ultrastructural studies were used to determine spore wall structure in two Acaulospora species: A. morrowiae and A. scrobiculata . The spore wall of A. morrowiae is divided in three zones (A, B, C), each of which in broken spores separate into layers. Many features, such as a series of regularly distributed fibrillar layers of arched-appearing fibrils were clearly distinguishable. In A. scrobiculata , two zones were distinct in the wall: an outer zone, ornamented with deep round-bottomed depressions which extended into several of the arched-like layers, and an inner zone formed by three distinct layers. The first layer of the inner zone had a radial arrangement of fibrils; the two other layers were formed apparently by amorphous material. Arched and radial fibrils have been found in spores of other Glomales but not in those of other groups of fungi. Spores of Acaulospora are similar to those of certain other glomalean fungi. These and other data indicate the uniqueness of spore walls in the Glomales.

Ultrastructural studies were used to help resolve questions as to the recognition and limits of the heterogeneous family Otideaceae (Pezizales). Ascospore ontogeny was examined in species of Aleuria, Octospora, and Pulvinula and compared with that of other members of the order. Stages of ascosporogenesis, including primary wall formation, were similar to those found in other pezizalean genera. An accumulation of electron-dense globules appeared early in the perisporic sac of species of Aleuria and Octospora and contributes directly to formation of the epispore layer. In Pulvinula, there was a late accumulation of small electron-dense granules that was deposited onto the primary wall to form the epispore. A pronounced development of dense granules occurred in the perispore of Aleuria that condensed onto the epispore to form prominent ornaments. In Octospora, the granules degenerated and formed a loose secondary wall separated from the primary wall by an electron-translucent zone. A secondary wall did not d...

In order to conduct ultrastructural studies to clarify the nature of the spores formed in Glomales, an order of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, techniques for fixation and embedding of these spores were tested. Of nine methods, none was effective for fixation of Acaulospora, Gigaspora, and Scutellospora spores, but one was efficient for fixation of Glomus. This method included fixation with glutaraldehyde in a microwave oven, and breaking the spores under liquid nitrogen before postfixation with osmium tetroxide. For spore walls, however, most of the techniques were satisfactory for all of the genera tested.

Even though spores of Ascobolus immersus are much larger than those of any other species of the genus, ascosporogenesis in this species is basically identical to that of other species of Ascobolus. The spinelike precursors of the epispore layer are connected laterally into numerous periclinal lines. A dark band is formed above the layers of epispore and leaves a translucent zone separating the epispore from the matrix of the perisporic sac. The appearance of a translucent zone causes a fragile "exospure" similar to that found consistently in many coprophilous and pyrophilic discomycetes. Globular opaque bodies of epiplasmic origin and surrounded by amorphous electron dense granules are found in the perisporic sac and appear to be involved in ornament formation. Perisporic sac vacuoles that influence spore ornamentation in A. immersus are contrasted with those of other species of Ascobolus.

Ascosporogenesis is studied in Mycolachnea hemisphaerica of the tribe Lachneae, Humariaceae. Ontogeny of spore-delimiting membranes, free cell formation, and primary wall deposition in this genus are essentially the same as reported in other Pezizales. During formation of the secondary wall, the matrix of wall material accumulates within the perisporic sac into two zones, an inner, compact zone, and an outer, loosely fibrillar zone. The secondary wall is deposited onto the epispore layer through a gradual condensation of this material in the inner zone. A distinctly ornamented secondary wall is formed in M. hemisphaerica, and there are three different types of inclusion bodies in the sporoplasm. Overall spore ontogeny is very similar to that of species of Trichophaea.

Species of Cheilymenia, Coprobia, and Scutellinia of the Ciliarieae (Humariaceae) are studied by electron microscopy. They share the same type of ascosporogenesis, although only Cheilymenia and Coprobia form spore sheaths on their ascospores, and epispore layers are formed after the primary wall is deposited between spore-delimiting membranes. The manner of formation of epispore layers is very similar to that in the genus Aleuria. Gradual condensation of the secondary wall material in the perisporic sac is consistently found. Globular bodies with rodlet contents are found in the perisporic sac of Cheilymenia and are different from those found in Aleuria. Vacuolation occurs in the perisporic sac, within which ornaments are almost completely formed. During the condensation of secondary wall material, a translucent zone similar to that commonly found in Ascobolus and other coprophilous fungi is formed between the epispore layer and the ornaments.

Two strains of a parasitic fungus, differing only in assimilation of cellobiose and colonial morphology on some media, occur in the haemolymph of fire ants in the United States and Argentina. In the host, obclavate yeast cells bud from a narrow base at the larger pole. A true, septate mycelium without clamp connections readily develops in vitro, and has been observed on rare occasions in the host. The hyphal septum has a simple, central pore. Morphology in insect tissue culture medium closely resembles that in the host; however, in simpler media the cells and hyphae are pleomorphic and often only mycelial. Chlamydospores are produced; otherwise, sporulation has not been observed. The morphological, cultural, and physiological characteristics are described, and the fungus is named as a new species, Myrmecomyces annellisae, representing a new genus. Gross pathology, histopathology, or changes in host behaviour have not been observed; however, parasitized hosts appear to succumb more readily to stress.

Ultrastructure of septa in asci, ascogenous hyphae, paraphyses, and excipular cells in selected species of Gyromitra is described. Electron-opaque, conical structures are found in the basal pores of young asci and with age bear V-shaped striations. In certain species, the pore plug is overgrown by secondary wall material. Pores of the ascogenous hyphae have a matrix of electron-dense material with a very dense zone of material around the border of the pore. Septal pores of paraphyses and excipular cells have extremely elongate, rectangular Woronin bodies in the surrounding cytoplasm. Internal striations within these bodies suggest a proteinaceous nature. Pores of the paraphyses and excipular cells may also become occluded with a matrix of electron-dense material often with striations referred to as laminate structures. Septal structures in the species of Gyromitra investigated are compared to those of Helvella and members of other families of Pezizales. Phylogenetic implications of these data are discussed.

Cytological development of ascocarps in Emericellopsis is described. Intertwined hyphae initiate ascocarp primordia in the center of which enlarged ascogonial cells occur. Walls between the central cells disintegrate, resulting in an enlarged, multinucleate cell from which ascogenous cells emerge. Cell walls are reconstituted and repetitious croziers (pleurorhynque type) develop into chains of asci that mature in consecutive order. Ascosporogenesis is very similar to that in other filamentous ascomycetes. Ascogonial formation, ascocarp development, and the ascogenous system are compared with Ascosphaera and Monascus. Centrum development in Emericellopsis is very similar to that in these genera, and in this respect somewhat sets them apart from other ascomycetes. Key words: Monascus, Ascosphaera, Plectomycetes, cytological development, crazier, ascogenesis, ascal chain, ascosporogenesis, cell fusion, centrum.

Cytological observations are made on apothecial tissues of Geopyxis carbonaria, using transmission electron microscopy. Characteristic features of both the medullary and ectal excipula are examined. Changes in ascus apex and wall structures are examined during ascus ontogeny, especially in relation to operculum position and structure. Ultrastructure of septum configuration is observed and compared in the excipulum, ascogenous hyphae, paraphyses, and at the base of young asci. Ascosporogenesis is observed from the ascus mother cell stage and initial spore delimitation until secondary wall formation. The cytological and ultrastructural observations on this species are discussed in relation to their possible taxonomic or phylogenetic value. Key words: ascosporogenesis, Discomycetes, ascospore ultrastructure, septal ultrastructure, cytochemistry.

The ultrastructure of ascospore ontogeny and spore wall microchemistry are described in three sessile, discoid species of Gyromitra previously placed in Discina. Silver proteinate and barium permanganate were used as poststains to enhance the definition of various wall layers and spore organelles. Early stages of ascosporogenesis and primary wall formation are similar to those described in other species of Pezizales. Secondary wall formation, which results in characteristic spore ornamentation, is similar in Gyromitra brunnea, Gyromitra leucoxantha, and Gyromitra perlata. Mature spores of these species differ in the size and shape of translucent lacunae within the secondary wall, and in the morphology of apiculi. The lacunae originate through blebbing of primary wall material through the epispore into the secondary wall, resulting in the isolation of electron-translucent primary wall clumps within the electron-dense secondary wall. These and other ultrastructural observations of apothecial tissues support the maintenance of the Helvellaceae (sensu lato) to include taxa of the tribes Helvelleae, Discineae, and Rhizineae. Phylogenetic linkages of these taxa to other families of Pezizales are suggested. Key words: ascosporogenesis, ascospore wall structure and microchemistry, discomycete systematics and phylogeny.

PP-229, a 6-page fact sheet by A.J. Palmateer, C.L. Harmon, A. Hodges, N. Peres, K.R. Chung, P.D. Roberts, L. Buss, W.T.. Crow, J. Xin, R.J. McGovern, J. W. Kimbrough, and M.T. Momol, describes Florida's network of support for the rapid detection, diagnosis, and decision support for pathogens and other pests affecting Florida's agricultural and natural ecosystems. Provides information on diagnostic services, Distance Diagnostic and Identification System (DDIS), First Detector Training, and other services. Published by the UF Plant Pathology Department, April 2006.

Between September 1997 and March 1998, a severe skin, eye, and mouth disease was observed in a population of dusky pigmy rattlesnakes (Sistrurus miliarius barbouri), at the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge in Volusia County, Florida (USA). Three affected pigmy rattlesnakes were submitted for necropsy. All snakes had severe necrotizing and predominantly granulomatous dermatitis, stomatitis, and ophthalmitis, with involvement of the subadjacent musculature and other soft tissues. Numerous fungal hyphae were seen throughout tissue sections stained with periodic acid Schiff and Gomori's methenamine silver. Samples of lesions were cultured for bacteria and fungi. Based on hyphae and spore characteristics, four species of fungi were identified from culture: Sporothrix schenckii, Pestalotia pezizoides, Geotrichum candidum (Galactomyces geotrichum), and Paecilomyces sp. While no additional severely affected pigmy rattlesnakes were seen at the study site, a garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) and a ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritis) with similar lesions were found. In 1998 and 1999, 42 pigmy rattlesnakes with multifocal minimal to moderate subcutaneous masses were seen at the study site. Masses from six of these snakes were biopsied in the field. Hyphae morphologically similar to those seen in the severe cases were observed with fungal stains. Analysis of a database representing 10,727 captures in previous years was performed after the 1998 outbreak was recognized. From this analysis we determined that 59 snakes with clinical signs similar to those seen during the 1998 outbreak were documented between 1992 and 1997. This study represents the first documented report of a mycotic disease of free-ranging snakes.

(1993). A New Species of Thecotheus (Pezizales) from Taiwan. Mycologia: Vol. 85, No. 6, pp. 1020-1022.

Beauveria bassiana is a widespread entomopathogen which is infectious to a great variety of insects. A commercial preparation of this fungus was used to study its potential as a biocontrol agent of the citrus root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus. Laboratory reared adult weevils were placed in clean plastic bags with 0.05 g of powdered inoculum per bag, shaken for thirty seconds, and placed in holding cages. In order to determine the spore concentration, germination, and position of ingress, inoculated weevils were dipped in a collodion solution after 30 min, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, and 30 h. Collodion peels from various areas of the exoskeleton were removed, stained with lactophenol cotton blue, and observed microscopically. At 12 h post-inoculation, spores began to swell, and at 18 h close to 25% germinated on all body parts except on the elytra. After 30 h, between 45% and 75% of the spores germinated, depending on the body part. Most active spore germination occurred around the eyes (75%), followed by ...

~.:'! : ..- .....~ .? ,, ,? .~ :. ;..;;. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~

Eight isolates of the Fusicoccum anamorph of Botryosphaeria ribis (six from Melaleuca quinque? nervia; two from Hhizophora mangle) were obtained from South Florida. Morphological characteristics of these isolates were studied on various culture media

Studies were performed to describe the ultrastructure of hyphae in Gigaspora albida . There is an even distribution o! cytoplasmic organelles with nuclei interspaced with vacuoles and polyphosphate granules in the hyphae. Evidences indicated that nuclear condition changes after germ tube formation. No clear proof of meiotic or mitotic processes were found, but elongated nueclei, presence of nucleus associated organelles, and a line of division in the central region of some of the nuelei were demonstrated.