Abundant Chlamydospores Research Articles

Casein agar: a useful medium for differentiating Candida dubliniensis from Candida albicans.

Production of chlamydospores on casein agar at 24 degrees C for 48 h provides a simple means for differentiating Candida dubliniensis from Candida albicans based on chlamydospore production. Of 109 C. dubliniensis isolates tested on this medium, 106 (97.2%) produced abundant chlamydospores and three produced few chlamydospores. In contrast, of the 120 C. albicans isolates tested, 111 (92.5%) failed to produce any chlamydospores, whereas the remaining nine isolates produced few chlamydospores. These findings indicate that abundant chlamydospore production on casein agar is a useful test for discriminating between C. dubliniensis and C. albicans.

First Report of Phytophthora ramorum on Coast Redwood in California.

Phytophthora ramorum S. Werres & A.W.A.M. de Cock was isolated from discolored leaves and cankers on small branches (<0.5 cm in diameter) on 27 coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) saplings (2 to17 cm in diameter) at two locations in California (Jack London State Park, Sonoma County and Henry Cowell State Park, Santa Cruz County). Symptoms were observed on branches throughout the crowns of affected trees. Isolates were identified as P. ramorum by their abundant chlamydospores and caducous, semi-papillate sporangia (2) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequences identical to those of P. ramorum from Quercus spp., Lithocarpus densiflorus, and Rhododendron (1,2). P. ramorum was also detected in dying basal sprouts on mature redwood trees from an additional five locations in coastal California by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the ITS region using DNA extracted from symptomatic tissue and P. ramorum-specific PCR primers. To test for pathogenicity, foliage inoculations were conducted on redwood seedlings in two trials by misting 30 leaves per trial (five leaves per seedling plus controls) with sterile distilled water and then pinning inoculum plugs to the upper surface of leaves. Inoculation resulted in lesions of 1 to 20 mm on individual leaves, and P. ramorum was recovered from 43% of inoculated leaves. Symptoms were not restricted to inoculated leaves because 15 inoculations of individual leaves led to discoloration of two or more adjacent leaves. On one inoculation, 60 mm of the adjacent stem was killed. Stems of redwood seedling (approximately 1 cm in diameter) were wound inoculated (1) in two trials consisting of 10 inoculated seedlings per trial plus 10 controls. After 6 weeks, lesion lengths in the cambium caused by P. ramorum averaged 13.7 mm (range 4 to 21 mm). P. ramorum was recovered from 100% of inoculated stems. Entire branches near the inoculation point became chlorotic even though no direct connection was evident between the lesion and the branches. No chlorosis was observed among the control inoculations. Mean lesion lengths of inoculated stems were significantly greater in both trials than those of control inoculations (mean 6.2 mm) at P < 0.05 based on analysis of variance (ANOVA). Redwood saplings (2.5 to 4.5 cm in diameter) were also wound inoculated in a separate trial. No phloem or cambial discoloration was observed after 7 weeks, but necrotic lesions in the xylem had a mean length of 39 mm (range 12 to 73 mm). In addition, narrow streaks, 1 to 2 mm in diameter, were also noted in the xylem extending from the necrotic areas upward to 90 cm. P. ramorum was recovered from 70% of inoculated stems in this trial. Mean lesion lengths of P. ramorum were significantly greater in all trials than those of control inoculations (mean 20 mm) at P < 0.05 based on ANOVA. While P. ramorum causes a lethal canker on Quercus spp. and L. densiflorus (1), we have not observed unusual mortality or disease symptoms on overstory redwoods in natural forests. The impact of infection by P. ramorum on understory redwoods is also unclear. However, the pathogen appears to be able to kill sprouts.

First Report of Phytophthora ramorum on Douglas-Fir in California.

Phytophthora ramorum S. Werres & A.W.A.M. de Cock was isolated from three Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) saplings in a mixedevergreen forest in Sonoma County, California. Symptoms on these saplings included cankers on small branches (0.5 to 1 cm in diameter) resulting in wilting of new shoots, dieback of branches, and loss of leaves as much as 15 cm from the twig tip. Symptoms were observed on most saplings growing in the same area. On several smaller saplings (<1 m tall), P. ramorum infection resulted in the death of the leader and the top several whorls of branches. Isolates were identified as P. ramorum by their abundant chlamydospores and caducous, semi-papillate sporangia (2) and internal transcribed spacer rDNA sequences identical to those of isolates of P. ramorum from Quercus spp., Lithocarpus densiflorus, and Rhododendron (1,2). To test for pathogenicity, foliage inoculations were conducted on seedlings in two trials by misting 30 leaves per trial (five leaves per seedling plus controls) with sterile distilled water and pinning inoculum plugs, taken from the margin of P. ramorum cultures, to the upper surface of leaves. Inoculation resulted in lesions ranging between 1 and 12 mm long, and P. ramorum was recovered from 47% of inoculated leaves. Symptoms were not restricted to inoculated leaves, and in 26 single-leaf inoculations, lesions 17 to 85 mm long developed on branches (five mm in diameter) adjacent to the inoculated leaf. Isolation success from branch lesions was 50%, despite the fact that such lesions were apparently disjunct from the small 1-mm lesions developing on inoculated leaves. Stems of Douglas-fir seedlings (approximately 1 cm in diameter) were wound inoculated (1) in two trials consisting of 10 inoculated seedlings per trial plus 10 controls. After 6 weeks, lesion lengths in the cambium averaged 38 mm (range 12 to 62 mm), and three seedlings were completely girdled. P. ramorum was recovered from 75% of inoculated stems. Mean lesion lengths on seedlings inoculated with P. ramorum were significantly greater (P < 0.05) in both trials than those of control inoculations (mean 9 mm) based on analysis of variance. We have not observed unusual mortality or disease symptoms on overstory Douglas-fir trees in natural forests. The importance of P. ramorum branch tip dieback for growth and reproduction of Douglas-fir is unknown. Douglas-fir is present in many forests in California and Oregon already infested by P. ramorum, yet we have found infection of plants at only one location. At this site, symptomatic Douglas-fir saplings were surrounded by bay laurel (Umbellularia californica) trees with extremely high levels of P. ramorum infection. P. ramorum is known to sporulate prolifically on bay laurel leaves. More studies are necessary to determine if the incidence of P. ramorum in Douglas-fir extends to other locations or if it is limited to this one locale.

Occurrence, morphological characteristics and ribotyping of New Zealand isolates of Duddingtonia flagrans, a candidate for biocontrol of animal parasitic nematodes

The nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans has shown potential for biological control of nematode parasites of livestock in several countries. A survey for the presence of D. flagrans in New Zealand was undertaken in 1997–98 on 24 farm, research, and domestic properties in the southern North Island. The nematophagous fungi found on isolation plates included species of Arthrobotrys, Dactylellina, Nematoctonus, Harposporium, and Duddingtonia. Isolates that produced the three‐dimensional nets and abundant chlamydospores, characteristic of D. flagrans, were detected in 6 of 205 samples examined. The fungus was obtained from a variety of substrates such as cattle dung, horse dung, seepage from a silage pit, and decomposing lawn clippings. Morphological characteristics, and the sequences of ITS/5.8 region of ribosomal DNA, were very similar to those published for D. flagrans. The fungus was re‐isolated from the faeces of lambs 16–40 h after they had been dosed orally with chlamydospores, indicating survival of gut passage.

Cerebriform colonies of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis isolated from nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) at room temperature.

Twelve isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis generated cerebriform colonies at room temperature on potato glucose agar slants (PDA). These isolates contained abundant chlamydospores and yeast-like cells and are a subset of the 65 isolates obtained from nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus). They grew as a yeast form with typical multiple buddings at 37 degrees C on brain heart infusion agar supplemented with 1% glucose. After replating on PDA and culturing at room temperature for 2 months, the mutants appeared as cottonous colonies, which indicated that the morphological characteristics were unstable.

Molecular and phenotypic identification of the yeast pathogen Candida dubliniensis.

Candida dubliniensis is an emerging yeast pathogen generally misclassified as Candida albicans by standard diagnostic procedures. This study examined the efficiency of molecular identification, based on a discriminative PCR test, in a prospective study on the prevalence of C. dubliniensis among 103 oropharyngeal isolates from HIV-infected individuals or transplant recipients, and 30 vaginal isolates. All of the isolates had been classified as C. albicans by standard laboratory procedures. The PCR was evaluated in a blinded fashion against classification achieved by sequencing rDNA. Sequencing results corresponded 100% to the results of the discriminative PCR, indicating the validity of this rapid test. Twenty-one C. dubliniensis isolates were identified, all of them from HIV-infected individuals (prevalence 30%). The internal transcribed spacer regions of the C. dubliniensis isolates were sequenced. Phenotypic features of C. dubliniensis, namely abundant chlamydospore formation, atypical color on CHROMagar, growth defect at 45 degrees C, and colony morphology on Staib agar, were evaluated in a blinded fashion with respect to their discriminative potential, facilitating the design of further epidemiological studies. Carbohydrate assimilation patterns were determined for C. dubliniensis with a novel automated system showing that, in contrast to previous reports, C. dubliniensis is able to utilize D-xylose and trehalose. In evaluating these tests we present a rational approach to identification of the new species and characterization of C. dubliniensis isolates.

Pumpkin Fruit Rot in North Carolina Caused by Phytophthora nicotianae.

In 1999, during an evaluation of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) fruit for susceptibility to naturally occurring postharvest diseases, a soft rot of unknown etiology was noted. No fungal growth or sporulation was seen on the fruit surface and no root or crown rot was observed in the field. When fruit were cross-sectioned, masses of white, floccose mycelium covering large sections of the seed cavity were observed. Rot was observed in 21 fruit (6.4% of the total). The fungus was isolated from symptomatic fruit on a modified P10ARPH agar medium, semi-selective for Phytophthora spp. (2). Isolates from eight fruit formed papillate, ovoid sporangia, abundant chlamydospores, and colonies characteristic of P. nicotianae (1). No oospores were produced. Four sound pumpkin fruit (cv. Early Autumn) were inoculated with four isolates (one isolate per fruit). Each isolate was recovered from a different fruit. Pumpkins were surface sterilized at the point of inoculation by wetting with 70% ethanol. Inoculation was done by removing a small amount of mycelium from pure culture using a sterile, wooden toothpick and inserting it 2 cm deep into opposite sides of the mid section of sound fruit (two inoculations per fruit). Control fruit were punctured with sterile toothpicks (once per fruit). First symptoms appeared 4 days after inoculation at room temperature (22 to 24°C). Symptoms consisted of circular, water-soaked areas originating from the point of inoculation. Average diameter (based on four measurements on two fruit) of the water-soaked lesions were 3 cm at first appearance (i.e., 4 days) and 11 cm 10 days after inoculation. No symptoms developed on controls. When symptomatic fruit were cross-sectioned, masses of white, floccose mycelium were noted. Reisolation of this mycelium onto selective medium yielded P. nicotianae, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. This is the first report of P. nicotianae causing fruit rot of pumpkins.

Isolation of Candida dubliniensis from the Oral Cavity of an HIV-positive Child in Brazil.

Candida dubliniensis is a newly-recognized Candida species and an important infectious pathogen, particularly for HIV-positive patients. >From oral smear samples from the radix linguae of 173 HIV-positive children, we obtained four yeast isolates which took a blue-green color on CHROMagar Candida plate at 37 degrees C for 48 hours from one HIV-positive 3-year-old boy in Brazil. The isolates were difficult to grow on potato dextrose agar plate at 42 degrees C, produced abundant chlamydospores on a cornmeal agar plate with Tween 80, and sprouted germ tubes in saline with horse serum, and the antigenic profile by CANDIDA CHECK test was useless. Carbohydrate assimilation tests by ID32C showed no reference code number in the reference book. The isolates were subjected to molecular biological assay of the DNA sequence of the large-subunit ribosomal DNA region (D1/D2) and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). The DNA sequence agreed with those of standard C. dubliniensis strains, and therefore, the isolates were identified as C. dubliniensis. RAPD band pattern analysis indicated that the clinical isolates might summarize one genotype. Although the child did not present oral lesions, the fungus might be latent for opportunistic infection.

Molecular characterization by PCR-fingerprinting of Candida dubliniensis strains isolated from two HIV-positive patients in Spain

Six Candida dubliniensis isolates were recovered from two HIV-infected individuals in the course of a prospective study of recurrent oral candidosis among HIV-positive patients in Spain. Candida albicans strains as well as non- albicans strains were also obtained from these two patients. C. dubliniensis strains were germ-tube-positive and produced abundant chlamydospores. Fingerprinting the genomic DNAs of these six C. dubliniensis with the C. albicans-specific probe 27A as well as karyotyping was performed to confirm the identification of these isolates. Further analysis of their genomic DNAs was performed by PCR-fingerprinting with the core sequence of phage M13, and they exhibited species-specific multilocus band patterns, clearly distinct from those of C. albicans isolates analyzed in this study and in a previous one (Diaz-Guerra 1997). Intraspecies variation was also seen among PCR patterns yielded by C. dubliniensis isolates from different patients. Although few strains have been analyzed, the use of this PCR-fingerprinting procedure is a promising tool for further epidemiologic studies with C. dubliniensis. The isolation of C. dubliniensis from Spanish HIV-infected patients contributes to the idea of widespread geographic distribution of this species.

An improved granular formulation for a mycoherbicidal strain ofFusarium oxysporum

Modifications were investigated to improve shelf-life or long-term survival upon storage of an extrudedOryza sativaL. (rice) flour : gluten : clay: oil formulation (C7) of a mycoherbicide,Fusarium oxysporumSchlechtend: Fr. f. sp.erythroxylistrain EN4, that causes vascular wilt inErythroxylum cocavar.coca(coca). Fermentor-produced biomass, which contained abundant desiccation-resistant chlamydospores, was incorporated into various adaptations of C7 and stored at room temperature (22 to 25 C) under moderately high (50 to 60%) and low (0 to 5%) relative humidities (RHs). The effect of RH on shelf-life was not significant up to 4 mo of storage, while the presence of oil, added to improve its extrusion, reduced viability significantly. Addition ofGossypium hirsutumL. (cotton) embryo flour or complete elimination of oil from the formulation improved shelf-life from 3 mo to &gt; 12 mo. Shelf-life was further improved by removing the binding agent gluten in the formulation and replacing it with autoclavedO. sativaflour. Ability of the formulations to produce secondary propagules, tested on 1% water agar, indicated that, while adding oil had no effect,G. hirsutumembryo flour increased desiccation-resistant chlamydospore counts but lowered macroconidial counts. Autoclaved rice flour (MR) significantly improved both macroconidial and microconidial counts without affecting chlamydospore counts. None of the formulations affected the total viable propagule counts. When compared with the original formulation (C7), the modification (MRRP7), with MR,G. hirsutumembryo flour, and without oil, was found to have improved shelf-life at higher temperature and RHs and enhanced potential for secondary chlamydospore formation. These characteristics are important for survival of the formulatedF. oxysporumunder less expensive storage conditions and, once applied, for survival in the soil.

Two new species of Perenniporia described from a lowland rainforest of Malaysia

Two species of the genus Perenniporia are described as new from a lowland rainforest of West Malaysia. Perenniporia dipterocarpicola is characterized by the resupinate and usually sulfur-yellow basidiocarps with tiny pores, abundant chlamydospores in the cultures and consistent occurrence on dipterocarp trees. Perenniporia hexagonoides is characterized by the flabelliform to dimidiate basidiocarps with large hexagonal pores and large ellipsoid basidiospores. A key to the world species of Perenniporia with resupinate basidiocarps is provided.

Identification of CARE-2-negative Candida albicans isolates as Candida dubliniensis.

Among 302 clinical yeast isolates originally identified as Candida albicans, we found 16 isolates that did not hybridize with the C. albicans-specific repetitive DNA element CARE-2. These 16 isolates produced abundant chlamydospores, did not grow at 43 degrees C, and exhibited a distinct randomly amplified polymorphic DNA profile. Sequence analysis of part of the 28S rDNA demonstrated that the CARE-2-negative isolates are not an atypical subgroup of C. albicans but belong to the recently described new species C. dubliniensis.

Molecular and phenotypic analysis of Candida dubliniensis: A recently identified species linked with oral candidosis in HIV‐infected and AIDS patients

The discovery and characterisation of a novel species of Candida, termed Candida dubliniensis, associated with oral candidosis in HIV-infected individuals is described. These organisms share several phenotypic characteristics in common with Candida albicans and Candida stellatoidea, including the ability to produce germ tubes and chlamydospores. However, in contrast to these latter two species, C. dubliniensis isolates produce abundant chlamydospores, which are often arranged in contiguous pairs, triplets and other multiples suspended from a single suspensor cell. They belong to C. albicans serotype A and exhibit atypical substrate assimilation profiles. Genomic DNA fingerprinting analysis with the C. albicans-specific probe 27A and five different oligonucleotide probes consisting of short repeat sequence-containing motifs, demonstrated that C. dubliniensis has a distinct genomic organisation relative to C. albicans and C. stellatoidea. This was confirmed by karyotype analysis and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Comparison of 500 bp of the V3 variable region of the large ribosomal subunit genes from 14 separate C. dubliniensis isolates and the corresponding sequences from C. albicans, C. stellatoidea, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. kefyr and C. krusei demonstrated that the C. dubliniensis isolates formed a homogenous cluster (100% similarity), representing a discrete taxon within the genus Candida that was significantly different from the other species analysed.

Candida dubliniensis sp. nov.: phenotypic and molecular characterization of a novel species associated with oral candidosis in HIV-infected individuals.

Atypical oral Candida isolates were recovered from 60 HIV-infected and three HIV-negative individuals. These organisms were germ-tube-positive and produced abundant chlamydospores which were frequently arranged in triplets or in contiguous pairs. They belonged to C. albicans serotype A and had atypical carbohydrate assimilation profiles. Fingerprinting the genomic DNA of a selection of these organisms with the C. albicans-specific probe 27A and five separate oligonucleotides, homologous to eukaryotic microsatellite repeat sequences, demonstrated that they had a very distinct genomic organization compared to C. albicans and C. stellatoidea. This was further established by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and karyotype analysis. Comparison of 500 bp of the V3 variable region of the large ribosomal subunit genes from nine atypical isolates and the corresponding sequences determined from C. albicans, C. stellatoidea, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, C. kefyr and C. krusei showed that they atypical organisms formed a homogeneous cluster (100% similarity) that was significantly different from the other Candida species analysed, but was most closely related to C. albicans and C. stellatoidea. These genetic data combined with the phenotypic characteristics of these atypical organisms strongly suggest that they constitute a novel species within the genus Candida for which the name Candida dubliniensis is proposed.

Fusarium merismoides Corda NR 6356, the source of the protein kinase C inhibitor, azepinostatin. Taxonomy, yield improvement, fermentation and biological activity.

Fungal strain NR 6356, Fusarium merismoides Corda, was discovered as the source of the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, azepinostatin. The strain was identified based on its growth on potato sucrose agar, slender conidial shape, characteristic polyphialide and production of abundant chlamydospores. Fusarium aquaeductuum Lagh. IMI 103658 and Fusarium sp. NR 7222 were also found to produce the same inhibitor. After single colony isolation and medium optimization trials, a more than 30-fold increase in the production of azepinostatin over the original culture was achieved. Azepinostatin selectively and potently inhibited rat brain PKC with an IC50 value of 70 nM. Other enzymes utilizing ATP, including hexokinase, were not affected. The Ki of azepinostatin for PKC was 0.5 nM. The inhibition of PKC was competitive with ATP and uncompetitive with histone.

Cultural studies of four North American species of Perenniporia (Aphyllophorales: Polyporaceae)

Perenniporia phloiophila colonizes the dead, outer bark of live oak ( Quercus virginiana ) and is known in the southeastern United States on this host only. On 2% malt extract agar, P. phloiophila has an average growth rate of 5–6 mm day −1 at its optimum temperature range of 30–35 °C. P. phloiophila gives strong oxidase reactions on gallic and tannic acid agar media and does not produce chlamydospores in cultures of single dikaryons or homokaryons. P. medulla-panis has an average growth rate of 6–8 mm day −1 at its optimum temperature range of 30–35°. It has strong reactions on gallic and tannic acid agar media and produces chlamydospores in culture. Vegetative incompatibility between different dikaryotic isolates of P. phloiophila resulted in antagonistic hyphal interactions and dark pigmented zones between opposing isolates. Chlamydospores developed in the interaction zones of incompatible dikaryotic isolates. Self crosses of dikaryons resulted in complete intermingling of isolates with no interaction zone or pigmentation. Incompatible matings of homokaryotic isolates of P. phloiophila have abundant chlamydospores in the interaction zone while chlamydospores are absent in compatible matings of single spore isolates. Chlamydospores occur in all homokaryotic isolates of P. medulla-panis . Both species are heterothallic and tetrapolar. In vitro wood decay abilities of P. phloiophila, P. medulla-panis, P. ohiensis and P. fraxinophila were studied using wood of silverleaf oak, white fir and velvet ash. Percent weight loss (PWL) was greatest on silverleaf oak wood for three of the four species tested. P. medulla-panis caused the greatest PWL on white fir while P. fraxinophila caused the greatest PWL on silverleaf oak and velvet ash wood. Significant ( P = 0·05) differences in PWL occurred with P. phloiophila isolates tested at 25 and 30°. Mycelium of P. phloiophila readily colonized Emory oak bark blocks but only one isolate caused significant PWL.

Chlamydospore formation in ‘ Phytophthora palmivora’ MF4

Six of the 29 isolates of ‘P. palmivora’ MF4 examined formed abundant chlamydospores in agar media and/or on mycelial mats submerged in water. Our data revealed the hitherto unreported formation of chlamydospores in the macadamia isolate which was named P. capsici by Kunimoto et al. The mean chlamydospore diam of the six isolates ranged from 27 to 29 μm. Viability of chlamydospores ranged from 92 to 97%, but germination of viable spores was low in most media tested. The postgrowth incubation temperatures greatly affected chlamydospore production, with 15°C being the optimum. Like the majority of the ‘P. palmivora’ MF4 isolates examined, none of the 25 P. capsici isolates tested produced chlamydospores. If ‘P. palmivora’ MF4 is indeed P. capsici as considered by some workers, our data constitute the first report of chlamydospore formation in this species and the species description of P. capsici should be revised. It also suggests that the absence of chlamydospores can no longer be viewed as an important criterion for merging ‘P. palmivora’ MF4 with P. capsici, for positive identification of P. capsici, or for distinguishing it from other morphologically similar species.

Glomus epigaeus sp.nov., a useful fungus for vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizal research

A new endomycorrhizal species, Glomus epigaeus, produces abundant chlamydospores in sporocarps on the soil surface. This species has been maintained for more than 1 year in pot culture on various hosts and produces 8–15 sporocarps monthly from each pot. A simple technique of shaking sporocarps in water with broken glass chips is described for the separation of spores from sporocarps.The epigeous habit, narrow, thin-walled, inserted hyphal attachment, and bright yellow to yellow–brown wall color in transmitted light separate G. epigaeus from Glomus macrocarpus, which normally does not fruit epigeously and has a much broader, thick-walled, noninserted hyphal attachment and brown wall color in transmitted light.

Symptomatology and histopathology of fibrous roots of rough lemon (citrus limon) infected with Fusarium solani

Fibrous-root decay and epidermal and cortical sloughing were common on blight trees in two citrus groves with severe symptoms in October 1975. These symptoms were present to varying extent on blight trees in other groves, and some fibrous-root decline also was present on apparently healthy trees. Fusarium solani was present in declining fibrous roots of diseased and healthy trees and occurrence appeared to be limited to the fibrous roots. Fusarium infection resulted in early cortical degeneration, leaving epidermal sleeves on intact, infected steles. Generally, in the xylem and cortex with advanced symptoms, only chlamydospores were present. Sites of early infection conained abundant hyphae and immature chlamydospores. Hyphae penetrated the cortex intracellularly and intercellularly, and all cell types of the xylem appeared to be infected predominantly through pits. Fusarium was found on the surface of the epidermis and in broken epidermal cells of healthy-appearing and diseased roots.

The Genus Amylomyces

SUMMARY Amylomyces is a monotypic genus containing the somewhat variable species A. rouxii Calmette. Certain species of Chlamydomucor and Boedijn's species Rhizopus chlamydosporus are synonyms. Strains vary from somewhat restricted sterile white colonies to light gray-brown colonies containing many abortive sporangia. All strains produce abundant chlamydospores. During growth in liquid media containing glucose as the carbon source, the glucose is exhausted during the first 3 da and lactic acid is formed that is used as a secondary carbon source after a short lag period. The pattern of utilization of sucrose, maltose, and glycerol by strains of Amylomyces rouxii and Rhizopus oryzae supports the morphological data that make these two genera distinct. An unique fungus has often been isolated from ragi and Chinese yeast. Both are used as starters to make fermented foods in Indonesia and elsewhere in the Orient. The main ingredient of ragi is rice flour. This fermented starter contains both yeasts and molds (9). Chinese yeast is a similar product. The predominant mold in these two starters is a member of the Mucorales that is propagated primarily by chlamydospores. At most, isolates form abortive sporangia. Although various names have been proposed for this fungus, its correct name is Amylomyces rouxii Calmette.