Sexual Reproduction in Geotrichum candidum

Abstract

A perfect state of Geotrichum candidum was isolated from soil in Puerto Rico. Wild-type cultures are self-fertile but give rise to self-sterile, cross-fertile mating types morphologically different in some respects from the wild type. This discovery of the perfect state of G. candidum and its unique pattern of sexuality may contribute to knowledge of its ecology, the origin of pathogenic races, and speciation.