Abstract
Zopfia rhizophila exhibits a modified Pleospora type of centrum development. The ascocarp begins development as a small stroma that differentiates into a dark cephalothecoid peridium and an internal mass of pseudoparenchyma. Within the internal pseudoparenchyma, some cells disintegrate. Others engender pseudoparaphyses, and still others give rise to ascogenous cells that produce ascogenous hyphae. Ascogonia are not formed. Croziers arise on the ascogenous hyphae. Ascus production and cytology follow the usual pattern and include a diffuse diplotene stage. The haploid chromosome number is 19±1. Ascospores are uninucleate when first formed and become multinucleate, centrally divided, and constricted. Later each cell cuts off a small uninucleate terminal cell. Spores are released by digestion of the ascus wall and are liberated when the peridium breaks along the sutures between cephalothecoid plates. Germination occurs from either end of the spore or through a break in the wall. The fungus is homothallic because it produces ascocarps from initially uninucleate single spores.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
