The Cultivation and Nutrient Requirements of a Chytridiaceous Fungus,Rhizophlyctis rosea

Abstract

R. rosea was isolated from soil and compost by an enrichment culture technique which took advantage of the cellulose-decomposing abilities of this chytrid. Pure cultures were obtained by an easy and rapid method descr. in the text. The morphology of the organism was studied with particular attention to the variations caused by environmental conditions. Nutritional investigations on R. rosea showed that of some 25 substances tested as sources of C and energy only the carbohydrates cellulose, cellobiose and glucose support satisfactory growth. Cellulose and cellobiose are markedly better C sources than glucose. With a suitable carbohydrate excellent growth occurs in a medium containing ammonia and the necessary mineral nutrients. The best N source is ammonia, but amino-acids, peptone and yeast extract can also be utilized. The importance of using pure cultures in morphologieal studies on the lower fungi is stressed. The ecology of R. rosea is discussed in relation to its nutrient requirements.