The Germination of Resting Spores of Entomophthora virulenta Hall and Dunn12

Abstract

Laboratory tests have shown that about 2 to 5% of the resting spores of Entomophthora virulenta from pure cultures are ready to germinate when removed from the dry state and placed on artificial media, The germinating spores do not need the influence of chitin-splitting microorganisms or a lengthy period in a moist environment in order to start their growth, but they are responsive to high humidity conditions since a progressive increase in germination was noted as the period that the spores here soaked was increased, Considerable germination was noted following 10-minute exposures to temperatures up to 93° C. while no growth occurred after a 06-hour exposure to a temperature of 85° C.