Studies on Basidiospore Development in Schizophyllum commune

Abstract

The time required for synthesis of the spore components and the effect of different environmental conditions on basidiospore production were studied in the basidiomycete S. commune. Both exogenous glucose and storage materials were used in the synthesis of spore components, which took 40-45 h to complete. A temperature of 30.degree. C, the presence of 5% CO2, a continous supply of glucose, or a lack of exogenous glucose, had no effect on the rate of spore production. Light, however, was required for sporulation. Darkness inhibited sporulation between karyogamy and the initiation of meiosis: complete inhibition occurred after 48 h in the dark. Spores were produced 5 h after release from dark inhibition.