RELATION OF TEMPERATURE AND TIME TO CARBON DIOXIDE PRODUCTION AND GROWTH IN CONTINUOUSLY AERATED MALT-AGAR CULTURES OF POLYSTICTUS VERSICOLOR

Abstract

There was no evidence of gravitational influence on mycelial growth. Rate of growth at each tested temp, was maintained throughout the 5-day expt. period. At each temp, rate of total CO2 production increased regularly with enlargement of the mycelial mat, the daily increase in rate being, on the whole, maintained throughout the 5 days. This acceleration of CO2 production was similar to growth rate with respect to temp, relations. The optimal temp, for growth was about 29.5[degree] C and the maximal temp, about 35. There was no indication of a downward shifting of the optimal temp, with increasing length of the incubation period. For CO2 production per unit area of mycelial mat no minimal, optimal, or maximal temp, was shown; throughout the entire range of tested temps, the rate of CO2 production was higher as temp, was higher, the minimal temp, being apparently far below 17.5[degree] C, and probably much below that for growth. Rates of CO2 production per unit of mycelium and growth were much alike in regard to their temp, relations within the range 17.5[degree] and 29.5[degree] C; above 29.5[degree] they differed greatly. As indicated by 10[degree] temp, coefficients 29.5[degree] C was a critical temp, for CO2 production as well as for growth. A coefficient of growth efficiency with reference to conservation of C is introduced. Vegetative growth proceeded with relatively least loss of C (as CO2) at the medium temps., 25.5[degree] and 29.5[degree] C but loss of C was relatively great for 17.5[degree] and 33.5[degree] C.