The Cytology of Syzygospora alba

Abstract

The cytology of Syzygospora alba of the Auriculariaceae was studied by the applica-tion of Heidenhain''s Hematoxylin and KOH-Phloxine staining techniques. Syzygospora-type "basidia" and homobasidiomycete-basidia are borne on the same hypha; thus Syzygospora is only a conidial stage of a homo-basidiomycete. The nuclear behavior in the development of the Syzygospora-type spores has been observed. The terminal hyphal cell becomes transversely septate. Each daughter cell produces a short stalk on which a spore is borne. Two spores, one from each cell, fuse to form a binucleate dumbbell-shaped spore which becomes detached after it reaches maturity. Spores germinate, producing mycelium. The nuclear behavior in the development of the homobasidiomycete-type basidium could not be precisely followed.