The Physiology and Nutrition of some Aquatic Hyphomycetes

Abstract

SUMMARY: The nutrition and physiology of some aquatic Hyphomycetes were examined. Optimum growth temperatures were below those usually encountered amongst aquatic moulds. Several species utilized almost all the carbohydrates tested and most gave a molar growth yield between 80 and 95 mg. mycelial dry weight/m-mole carbohydrate utilized. Of the vitamins tested none appeared to be essential nutrients for most species, though some were stimulatory. Nitrate and ammonium ions both served as adequate nitrogen sources, with a preference for the latter. The ways in which aquatic Hyphomycetes may have nutritional advantages over their possible ecological competitors are discussed.