Observations on chytridiaceous parasites of phanerogams. XI. A Physoderma on Agropyron repens

TitleObservations on chytridiaceous parasites of phanerogams. XI. A Physoderma on Agropyron repens
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1961
AuthorsJr. FKSparrow, Griffin JE, Johns RM
JournalAmerican Journal of Botany
Volume48
Pagination850-858
KeywordsPHYSODERMA
Abstract

A Physoderma has been found in Michigan on Agropyron repens, which produces dark-brown, non-erumpent streaks up to 20 mm (usually 4-6 mm) in length by 0.5 mm in width and very local discoloration of the leaf blades and sheaths. There is no systemic infection, and plants parasitized are normal in size and bear flowers. Resting spores upon germination produce zoospores which may develop either into the endobiotic, polycentric, resting spore-bearing thallus or into monocentric, epibiotic, ephemeral sporangia. The latter bear either colorless or orange globuled zoospores. These zoospores may give rise to new epibiotic sporangia, or, apparently without fusing in pairs, to the endobiotic system. Comparison with other congeneric fungi reported on Agropyron repens reveals the Michigan fungus to be distinct from them. Whether it can be embraced within Physoderma graminis (Busgen) de Wild. or other described taxa on grasses awaits the results of future cross-inoculation studies.