INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON GERMINATION OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CONIDIA OF ERYNIA-NEOAPHIDIS (ZYGOMYCETES, ENTOMOPHTHORALES)

The influence of temperature on the germination of Erynia neoaphidis primary and secondary conidia was investigated. The rate of germination of both the primary and the secondary conidia was temperature-dependent with an optimum temperature between 18 and 21 degrees C. The temperature at which secondary conidia were produced influenced their subsequent rate of germination. Conidia produced at temperatures above or below the optimum germinated more slowly than conidia produced at 20 degrees C when incubated at 10, 20, or 30 degrees C. Temperature also affected the type of secondary conidia produced by the germinating primary conidia. At 5 degrees C all the conidia produced were lemon-shaped, resembling the primary conidia, while at 21 degrees C and above the alternative, more rounded type, predominated. The ecological implications for the fungus are discussed. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.