FACTORS AFFECTING THE RATE AND MODE OF GERMINATION OF MUCOR PIRIFORMIS ZYGOSPORES

Over 70% of zygospores of M. piriformis collected from 10 day-old cult ures germinated in water and on acidified water agar. Germination orig inated either through a crack on the zygosporangial wall or through on e of the suspensors. The germination percentage was highest when newly matured zygospores were used. Zygospores from cultures older than one month either did not germinate or germinated poorly. The mode of zygo spore germination was affected by nutrients and germination condition. Germ-sporangial, germ-sporangial-mycelial and mycelial germination we re observed on solid media while germination with an elongated germ-tu be was observed in water. Zygospores of M. piviformis germinated under light as well as in darkness. Although low pH is not required for zyg ospore germination in water, zygospore germination on solid media is f avoured by low pH.