Ascocarp induction in a natural auxotroph of a predatory fungus

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  • KZK. Zachariah
    K. Zachariah
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Abstract
A natural auxotroph of Arthrobotrys dactyloides with an absolute requirement for several amino acids was isolated from forest soil. When combined with a prototrophic strain the putative heterokaryon had growth characteristics differing from those of either component. With a second prototroph, the putative heterokaryon acquired the ability to produce sterile apothecia. The possibility is discussed that the auxotroph is essential to the initiation of sexual morphogenesis in these anamorphs.