Some observations on the cultivation, fruiting and germination of Fuligo septica.

Abstract

SUMMARY: Conditions optimal for the laboratory culture of unpurified Fuligo septica plasmodium were examined. The organism was grown in the laboratory for over 2 years, during which time regular sporulation occurred. Investigation of factors which affected sporulation suggested that this was induced by material present in older cultures; light did not precipitate it. Spore germination occurred readily in the laboratory; some experiments on germination were made. F. septica plasmodium was purified by a migration technique combined with antibiotic treatment. Two-member cultures were established with two yeasts and a Penicillium sp. isolated from plasmodium, and with a baker's yeast. Several other organisms (including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts) were not satisfactory as associate organisms in two-member cultures. Satisfactory axenic culture was not obtained, slow growth for a few weeks only being obtained on an autoclaved suspension of baker's yeast.