Spore Discharge in Fungi under Very High Surrounding Air-Pressure, and the Bubble-Theory of Ballistospore Release

Abstract

SUMMARYWhen maintained at high pressure (50-75 atm) the rate of violent spore discharge from cultures of Sordaria fimicola and Entomophthora coronata is not significantly altered, but with Schizophyllum commune it is reduced to a level close to zero. This is consistent with the view that the ballistospores (basidiospores) of Schizophyllum are discharged by a bubble-bursting mechanism. A bubble at the hilar appendix could hardly be blown against the high pressures used. These experiments support Olive's theory of ballistospore discharge.