Microstage development for protoplasts of the fungus Entomophaga aulicae

Abstract

During morphogenesis the fungus Entomophaga aulicae produces both normal size (designated macrostages) and a smaller size class (designated microstages) of the spindle-shaped, early fusion sphere, and late fusion sphere protoplasts. Two additional stages (which lack macrostage counterparts), the granular microstage and the solid microstage (which can germinate to form a hypha), are also produced. The sizes, developmental sequences, and growth rates of the macro- and micro-stages are compared. The microstages are produced in both highly enriched and minimal growth media and by several isolates and are, therefore, considered normal components of E. aulicae protoplast morphogenesis. Some possible implications of microstage occurrence are mentioned.