The organism of loose smut of wheat, lyophilized and stored under vacuum at 0[degree]C. for 1 year, was germinated on diverse natural and synthetic media of 2% agar content. The effects of carbohydrates, nitrogen sources, growth factors, and electrolytes normally present in them were evaluated against percent germination. Organic nitrogen and salts in concentrations normal to culture media depressed germination; carbohydrates (particularly sucrose) enhanced germination. Considerable interaction between moieties was evident. Medium constituents requisite for good cultural growth did not coincide with optima for best germination of teliospores. The pH was a masked, independent variable, being optimal between pH5 and pH6.