EFFECT OF LIGHT AND NUTRITION ON FRUITING OF ASCOBOLUS-BIGUTTULATUS

The influence of light and nutrition on fruit body development in Asco bolus biguttulatus was studied. High C and N concentrations inhibited sexual reproduction. A wide variety of carbon sources supported the pr oduction of fertile apothecia. Among the nitrogen sources, urea and as paragine were the best, while inorganic salts resulted in very poor fr uit body production. Light was an absolute requirement for apothecial production. When photoinduction was accomplished by single 24-h period s, the colonies were most receptive at the 5th day of growth. Among ty pes of light, near ultraviolet light was the most effective.