Effects of light and temperature on the formation of sexual structures in the family Saprolegniaceae

Abstract

Pure cultures of Saprolegnia ferax (Gruith) Thuret, Achlya americana Humphrey, and two isolates of Saprolegnia parasitica Coker were grown in a chemically defined medium under controlled conditions of temperature and illumination. Light inhibited growth and oogonium formation rates in S. ferax and A. americana. Light inhibited zoospore germination rates in A. americana and the growth rate of S. parasitica isolate 2-27-59; S. parasitica isolate 6-28-60 was indifferent to light. Neither isolate of S. parasitica formed sexual structures during the experiments. Differences in light reactions and growth rates of these two isolates indicated physiological strain differences. Photoreactivation was demonstrated in S. ferax and both isolates of S. parasitica. Evidence was shown that light caused production of toxic substances in the medium which caused inhibition of growth and sporulation. The blue peroxychromic test for hydrogen peroxide in the medium was negative but apparent catalase activity was demonstrated. Using a simple medium consisting of glucose, soluble starch and yeast extract, white light stimulated vegetative growth in S. ferax and A. americana. A quantitative distribution pattern of oogonium formation was shown.