Spore Ornamentation Research Articles

Spore ontogeny in species of Phillipsia and Wynnea (Pezizales)

Some species of the genera Phillipsia and Wynnea have similar longitudinally ridged cyanophobic ascospore markings. Ultrastructural studies show that the cyanophobic spore markings are part of the primary wall. In contrast, the cyanophilous spore ornaments are formed by the secondary wall. The observation of spore wall development indicates that the sources of the spore wall components are the sporoplasm and the epiplasm. Based on the pinkish hymenial color of fresh young apothecia and the cyanophobic spore ridges found only in some members of the Sarcoscyphaceae, Wynnea belongs to the Sarcoscyphaceae. Keywords: Pezizales, Phillipsia, Sarcoscyphaceae, spore wall ontogeny, ultrastructure, Wynnea.

Host preference in Camillea verruculospora

Specimens of Camillea verruculospora J.D. Rogers, Laessoe & Lodge collected during the British Mycological Society Expedition in Cuyabeno, Ecuador and additional specimens from Puerto Rico indicate that this tropical ascomycete grows primarily or exclusively on trees in the genus Miconia (Melastomataceae). Camillea verruculospora (Figs 1 and 2) was described by Rogers et al. (1991) from collections in Puerto Rico, Ecuador and Peru, but only the type collection from Puerto Rico contained spores. Our two recent collections of C. verruculospora from Ecuador (Lodge & Laessooe EC-151, BMS1443; Lodge EC-153, BMS-1445) represent the first fertile collections from South America. The stromata of this species are relatively small (3–12 mm diam x 3–6 mm tall), short-cylindrical and have a flat to domed apex surrounded by a raised rim (Figs 1 and 2). Unlike most species of Camillea which have pitted, ribbed or honeycombed spore ornaments, C. verruculospora and the related species, C. obularia (Fr.) Laessoe, J.D. Rogers & Lodge, have warty ornamentation (Fig. 3), characteristic of the subgenus Jongiella (Laessoe et al., 1989). Camillea verruculospora fruited abundantly in Puerto Rico following damage by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, allowing us to recognize the similarity in bark of the trees on which it grew. Identification of dead host trees is normally difficult in tropical rain forests because of the high diversity of tree species. For example, Valencia et al. (1994) reported that a single hectare of rain forest at Cuyabeno had 473 tree species greater than 10 cm diameter at breast height, and the forest zones where C. verruculospora grows in Puerto Rico have over 170 tree species (Wadsworth, 1951). We were thus fortunate to be working at the El Verde Research Area of the Luquillo Mountains in Puerto Rico, which has numerous research plots where all the trees have been identified and tagged. All of our initial collections of C. verruculospora from tagged trees (Lodge PR-813, 2302; Lodge & Laessoe PR-1075 and same tree, Lodge PR-2301) and those with stump sprouts (Lodge PR-498; PR-1606, 1608, 2304, 2305, 2306) were growing on Miconia tetranda D. Don. Hosts for four additional collections of C. verruculospora from Puerto Rico were identified as Miconia sp. from stump sprouts (Lodge PR-488) or wood anatomy (Lodge PR-807, 1607, 2303). Altogether, we collected C. verruculospora from 13 different Miconia trees in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico, and none from other potential host genera or families. When we arrived at Cuyabeno during the BMS expedition to Ecuador, we were delighted to find two collections of C. verruculospora growing on fallen trunks of a Miconia species. The host for a previous collection of C. verruculospora from the nearby Rio Napo area in Ecuador (T. Laessoe 59651, cited in Rogers et al., 1991) was also identified by a wood anatomist as a member of the Melastomataceae, most likely the genus Miconia. The exclusive occurrence of C. verruculospora on species in the Melastomataceae, and usually the genus Miconia, in both Puerto Rico and Ecuador indicate a strong host-preference by this fungus.

Phaeoceros delicatusa new species of Anthocerotae from New Zealand

Abstract A new species of Phaeoceros, P. delicatus, is described from material collected in New Zealand. It is dioicous and is characterised by a costa with elongated cells, marginal gemmae, and spore ornamentation consisting of simple papillae on the proximal face and simple or multiple papillae on the distal face.

The ultrastructure of the spore wall and ornamentation in the Xerocomus group of Boletus.

The ultrastructure of the spore wall and ornamentation in the <i>Xerocomus</i> group of <i>Boletus</i>.

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Taxonomic Results of the BRYOTROP Expedition to Zaire and Rwanda 17. Andreaeaceae, Bruchiaceae, Dicranaceae, Rhizogoniaceae, Bartramiaceae, Rhacocarpaceae, Hedwigiaceae, Cryphaeaceae, Leucodontaceae&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Thirteen new records of species of Andreaea, Trematodon, Campylopus and Rhabdoweisia for Rwanda viz. Zaire are published. Campylopus cerradensis Vital and Paraleucobryum longifolium (Hedw.) Loeske ssp. brasiliense (Broth.) P. Müller &amp; J.-P. Frahm, previously only known from Brazil, are reported for Africa for the first time. Campylopus schmidii C. Müll. is reported for the first time for the African continent. Campylopus leucochlorus is regarded as synonymous with C. hildebrandtii (C. Müll.) Jaeg. Atractylocarpus capillifolius Dix. is regarded as synonymous with A. alticaulis (Broth.) Williams. Based on a different spore size, spore ornamentation and growth form as well as cultivation experiments, Antitrichia kilimandscharica Broth. is regarded as separate species and not as synonymous with A. curtipendula (Hedw.) Brid. Acrocryphaea robusta Broth. in Mildbr. is combined new to the genus Schoenobryum.

Cortinarius subgenus Myxacium section Colliniti (Agaricales) in Fennoscandia, with special emphasis on the Arctic-alpine zones

Abstract The taxonomy and ecology of Cortinarius subgenus Myxacium section Colliniti in Fennoscandia is treated. Most species of this group have their optima in oligotrophic habitats, and play an important role in upper boreal and Arctic-alpine regions. Variation in spore morphology is subjected to numerical treatment. Relevant nomenclatural types and protologues for classical names are examined. Presence of clamp connections is stated to be an important diagnostic character towards the most closely related section, Defibulati. Also, SEM pictures have revealed a significant difference in the spore ornamentation between the two groups. Spore shape and size provide important diagnostic characters for separation of the different taxa of section Colliniti, as shown by scattergrams. The most distinctive species in this respect are found to be C. mucosus, with characteristically narrow spores, and C. collinitus with larger spores. The species concept within the group is discussed. Seven Fennoscandian species are recognized and their taxonomy and ecology are discussed. C. septentrionalis (type from Norway) and C. fennoscandicus (type from Finland) are described as new. Both species are common in upper (northern) boreal mountain birch (Betula) woodlands and under the low shrub Betula nana in the low alpine and arctic zones. The status of Agaricus collinitus Sow: Fries is discussed in more detail.

A revision of European saxicolous species of the genus Buellia de Not. and formerly included genera

Abstract: A detailed taxonomic survey of the saxicolous European species of Buellia based on a detailed survey and assessment of the important features of the genus is presented. These include the conidia, the anatomy of the exciple, the spore wall pigmentation, ornamentation and internal wall thickening, as well as analysis of the lichen substances. As a result, 36 saxicolous species are recognized, of which Buellia griseosquamulata and B. longispora are new taxa and B. atrocinerella and B. parvula are new combinations. Buellia coniops, B. lecideina and B. punctata are transferred to the validated genus Amandinea. A key to 43 accepted species of Buellia, Amandinea and Hafellia is included.

A Revision of European Saxicolous Species of the Genus Buellia de not. and Formerly Included Genera

A detailed taxonomic survey of the saxicolous European species of Buellia based on a detailed survey and assessment of the important features of the genus is presented. These include the conidia, the anatomy of the exciple, the spore wall pigmentation, ornamentation and internal wall thickening, as well as analysis of the lichen substances. As a result, 36 saxicolous species are recognized, of which Buellia griseosquamulata and B. longispora are new taxa and B. atrocinerella and B. parvula are new combinations. Buellia coniops, B. lecideina and B. punclata are transferred to the validated genus Amandinea. A key to 43 accepted species of Buellia, Amandinea and Hafellia is included.

A study ofSymphyogyna hymenophyllum(Hook.) Mont. et Nees andS. podophylla(Thunb.) Mont. et Nees (Hepaticae) using scanning electron microscopy of spores and comparative chemistry

Abstract A comparison of spore ornamentation and phytochemistry indicates that Symphyogyna hymenophyllum from New Zealand is distinct from S. podophylla of Africa, South America, and Australia.

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The distribution and synonyms of &lt;em&gt;Breutelia microdonta &lt;/em&gt;(Mitt.) Broth. with additional notes on certain taxa of &lt;em&gt;Breutelia&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Breutelia microdonta (Mitt.) Broth., described originally from Brazil, is the oldest name for a disjunct widespread tropical species that includes as synonyms B. angustifolia Rehm. ex Sim of Southern Africa and B. merrillii Broth. of the Philippines. Breutelia kilaueae (C. Muell.) Broth. of Hawaii is considered a synonym of the austral Pacific species B. affinis (Hook.) Mitt., and B. brachyphylla Broth. of Ecuador is reduced to synonymy under the North Andean B. squarrosa Jaeg. Breutelia anacolioides Herz. of Bolivia is removed to Philonotis as a synonym of the North Andean P. incana (Tayl.) H. Robins. Differences in spore ornamentation offer an additional character distinguishing Breutelia from Philonotis.

Morphology and Allergenic Properties of Basidiospores from FourCalvatiaSpecies

Basidiospores of Calvatia cyathiformis have been identified in aerobiological studies, and spore extracts have demonstrated significant skin and radioallergosorbent test reactivity in sensitive patients. Although fruiting bodies of Calvatia craniiformis, C. rubroflava, and C. gigantea are also relatively common, basidiospores of these species cannot be specifically identified from the atmosphere. The present study compared the morphology and antigenic properties of basidiospores from these four Calvatia species. Electron microscopy showed that they all have globose spores 3-5 ,tm in diameter but each species has unique spore ornamentation. Only C. cyathiformis spores were sufficiently distinctive by light microscopy to be identifiable on air sampler slides. These spores occurred in the Tulsa atmosphere on 68% of the days during September and October. The allergenic properties were compared using radioallergosorbent and radioallergosorbent test inhibition. Results indicate that C. rubroflava and C. craniiformis are potentially important aeroallergens. Protein patterns in these species differed from one another and from C. cyathiformis; however, common proteins were also present. Spore extracts of C. cyathiformis from two states were similar by isoelectric focusing but differed in allergenic activity. C. gigantea gave indiscernible protein patterns. These studies indicate that although Calvatia species demonstrate a number of similarities, there are distinctive structural and allergenic properties.

Identification of &lt;italic&gt;Eurotium (Aspergillus) restrictus&lt;/italic&gt; Group Species by Comparison of Conidiospores on Foxing Using Scanning Electron Microscope

fungi collectively known as Eurotium (Aspergillus) restrictus group form one of the predominant groups causing the biodeterioration of cultural assets. Six species of E. (A.) restrictus including 10 type strains and E. (A.) isolate No. 3 were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As surface ornamentation of the conidial spores from these 11 strains was found to differ each other, SEM observation of the spores serves as a simple and useful method to identify these species

Ultrastructural Studies of Ascosporogenesis in Ascobolus Immersus

Even though spores of Ascobolus immersus are much larger than those of any other species of the genus, ascosporogenesis in this species is basically identical to that of other species of Ascobolus. The spinelike precursors of the epispore layer are connected laterally into numerous periclinal lines. A dark band is formed above the layers of epispore and leaves a translucent zone separating the epispore from the matrix of the perisporic sac. The appearance of a translucent zone causes a fragile “exospure” similar to that found consistently in many coprophilous and pyrophilic discomycetes. Globular opaque bodies of epiplasmic origin and surrounded by amorphous electron dense granules are found in the perisporic sac and appear to be involved in ornament formation. Perisporic sac vacuoles that influence spore ornamentation in A. immersus are contrasted with those of other species of Ascobolus.

Ultrastructural Studies of Ascosporogenesis in Ascobolus immersus

Even though spores of Ascobolus immersus are much larger than those of any other species of the genus, ascosporogenesis in this species is basically identical to that of other species of Ascobolus. The spinelike precursors of the epispore layer are connected laterally into numerous periclinal lines. A dark band is formed above the layers of epispore and leaves a translucent zone separating the epispore from the matrix of the perisporic sac. The appearance of a translucent zone causes a fragile “exospure” similar to that found consistently in many coprophilous and pyrophilic discomycetes. Globular opaque bodies of epiplasmic origin and surrounded by amorphous electron dense granules are found in the perisporic sac and appear to be involved in ornament formation. Perisporic sac vacuoles that influence spore ornamentation in A. immersus are contrasted with those of other species of Ascobolus.

TAXONOMIC AND DISTRIBUTIONAL NOTES ON THE GENUS SPHAEROPHORUS (CALICIALES) IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

Sphaerophorus diplotypus Vainio is reported as new to mainland Africa (Tanzania). Sphaerophorus digitaius Wang-Yang & Lai is reduced to a synonym of 5. diplotypus. The name Sphaerophorus dodgei Ohlsson is validated and a description of the species is given. Sphaerophorus dodgei is recorded as being widespread and common in the Valdivian rainforest of Chile and Argentina. Sphaerophorus imshaugii Ohlsson is reported as new to the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Sphaerophorus macrocarpus Ohlsson is reported as new to South America (Chile). In S. dodgei and 5. macrocarpus the spore ornamentation consists of mazaedial material added to the spore wall after the spores have been released from the asci. Concentric bodies occur in young ascospores of 5. macrocarpus. A protocetraric-acid-deficient strain of 5. microsporus Ohlsson is reported for the first time. Sphaerophorus tibellii Wedin, from northern New Zealand, is described as new.

Taxonomic And Distributional Notes on The Genus Sphaerophorus (Caliciales) In the Southern Hemisphere

Abstract Sphaerophorus diplotypus Vainio is reported as new to mainland Africa (Tanzania). Sphaerophorus digitaius Wang-Yang &amp; Lai is reduced to a synonym of S. diplotypus. The name Sphaerophorus dodgei Ohlsson is validated and a description of the species is given. Sphaerophorus dodgei is recorded as being widespread and common in the Valdivian rainforest of Chile and Argentina. Sphaerophorus imshaugii Ohlsson is reported as new to the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Sphaerophorus macrocarpus Ohlsson is reported as new to South America (Chile). In S. dodgei and S. macrocarpus the spore ornamentation consists of mazaedial material added to the spore wall after the spores have been released from the asci. Concentric bodies occur in young ascospores of S. macrocarpus. A protocetraric-acid-deficient strain of S. microsporus Ohlsson is reported for the first time. Sphaerophorus tibellii Wedin, from northern New Zealand, is described as new.

A new species ofRicciaL. from the island of Madeira,Riccia atlantica, sp. nov.

Abstract Riccia atlantica Sergio & Perold, sp. nov., described from Madeira, is a diminutive species with conspicuous and enlarged epithelial cells, which give a crystalline and shiny appearance when fresh. It is also distinguished by the inconspicuous hyaline scales, the absence of cilia and the spore ornamentation, areolae on the distal face have indistinct walls, the unperforated marginal angles, the triradiate mark on the proximal face being almost imperceptible, and the inconspicuous wing.

Crepidotus, Pellidiscus and Ramicola in Greenland (Agaricales: Crepidotaceae)

Thirty Greenlandic collections ofCrepidotus, PellidiscusandRamicola(Agaricales, Basidiomycetes), mainly collected in the last years have been studied. Descriptions, illustrations and a key is given to six species:C. fusisporus, C. lundellii, C. subverrucisporus, C. versutus, P. pallidus, andR. haustellaris.Five species are recorded as new to Greenland. The type ofC. longisporushas been reexamined. SEM studies show the significance of spore ornamentation for the taxonomy of these fungi. The floristic patterns are discussed;C. fusisporusis an American element of the Greenlandic mycoflora.

Two new species ofSphaerophorus(Caliciales) from New Zealand

Abstract The new species Sphaerophorus whakapapaensis Wedin and S. ohlssonii Wedin (Sphaerophoraceae, Caliciales, lichenised ascomycetes) are described from New Zealand. The ascospore ontogeny is described. The spore ornamentation of both species consists of mazaedial material added to the spore wall after the spores have teen released from the asci. Concentric bodies occur in young ascospores. The conidiophores are branched and produce conidia both acrogenously and pleurogenoesly. The conidiophores thus correspond to Vobis' type V. The conidia are bacilliform in S. whakapapaensis and ellipsoidal in S. ohlssonii. The distribution of the species and their taxonomic position in the genus are commented upon.

A fossil smut fungus from the anthers of an Eocene angiosperm

WHILE studying the floral morphology of a per mineralized angiosperm from a Middle Eocene chert near Princeton, British Columbia, we encountered well-preserved masses of fungal spores in otherwise apparently normal anthers. The spore masses, which replaced the pollen, consist of single-celled, irregularly shaped to ovoid, minutely pitted spores. On the basis of intact nature of infected anthers and size, ornamentation and disposition of spores within anther locules, we have identified this material as an anthericolous smut fungus. This unequivocal fossil of the Ustilaginales shows that at least 48 million years ago the order had representatives with anthericolous sori, a characteristic of some extant smut taxa that permits effective insect dispersal of the fungus among populations of specific host plants.