SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY OF CULTURES OF RARE MACROMYCETOUS FUNGI

Using scanning electron microscopy it was possible to describe structu res on the mycelia of macromycetous fungi that possess both taxonomic and functional importance. For taxonomic characteristization of 11 stu died species, the presence and distribution of clamps on hypha: repres ent an important Feature; in the case of Lyophyllum decastes the form of clamps may be useful for identifying cultures. Formation and types of anamorhps in Pleurotus calyptratus, Montagnea arenaria and Lyophyll um decastes are also of taxonomic importance. For additional taxonomic characterization of cultures of Tricholoma mongolicum the formation o f ''coils'' might be exploited. Formation of anastomoses and crystals has predominantly a physiological role. However, in our view, producti on of crystals under certain culture conditions may serve as a diagnos tic parameter.