Cardinal Temperatures for Germination and Other Factors Affecting the Germination of Rhizomucor Pusillus Sporangiospores

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Germination of spores from thermophilic fungi has received little attention in spite of their importance in the deterioration of stored materials, in composting, and as causal agents of certain mycoses. In searching the literature only seven studies relating to the germination of spores from thermophilic fungi could be found (Celerin and Fergus, 1971; Deploey, 1985; Deploey and Gautam, 1987; Fergus and Delwiche, 1975; Jack and Tansey, 1977; Streets and Ingle, 1972; Sussman, 1976), and of these only two pertained to the germination of sporangiospores from Rhizomucor pusillus (Deploey, 1985; Jack and Tansey, 1977). The report by Jack and Tansey (1977) involved a study of germination by R. pusillus spores (and spores of other thermophilic fungi) exposed to sun-heated and sun-shaded soil. They also observed spore germination in the laboratory at several temperatures. The study by Deploey (1985) concerned the influence of atmosphere composition and defined-undefined media on the germination of R. pusillus sporangiospores, but all spores were incubated at 45°C. Regrettably, neither investigation included a detailed study to ascertain the cardinal temperatures for spore germination by R. pusillus. Because of the economic and medical importance of this fungus it was believed that it would be worthwhile to determine its cardinal temperatures for spore germination as well as other factors affecting spore germination.