Intraspecific variation in response to spore-to-spore cultivation in the myxomycete, Didymium squamulosum

Abstract

Spore-to-spore cultures were attempted for 94 specimens of Didymium squamulosum using common methods of laboratory cultivation. Specimens varied in age, morphology, method of collection, geographic origin and substratum. Spores from 35 specimens germinated in culture, only nine of which successfully went from spore-to-spore in laboratory culture. No patterns were obvious regarding germination success, plasmodium production or fruiting body formation from the varying factors among the specimens, although no spores from any specimen older than six years germinated.