Sexuality in Synchytrium brownii Karling

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Abstract
Planospores of Synchytrium brownii (a synonym of S. fulgens Schroet. ?) are sexually neutral in the beginning. Some of them gradually develop sexual tendencies and differentiate into 2 types of gametes, a receptive sedentary type and a searching type. Copulation occurs between the gametes of these 2 types. Neither alteration of sex nor relative sexuality occurs. Plasmogamy occurs 1-3 hr. after pairing and sedentation. Zygote is nonmotile though possessing a flagellum for a brief period. Oil globules also fuse shortly after karyogamy. Along with normal planospores, giant planospores are frequently produced each of which possesses several flagella, nuclei and oil globules; they are considered to be monstrosities. Occasionally the zygotes also may have 1 or more supernumerary nuclei. The planospores that do not differentiate into gametes function as zoospores, infect the host, and develop into evanescent prosori. The flagella of the zoospores, gametes and zygotes are gradually absorbed as they become sedentary and are not dropped off. Planospores emerging from sporangia of evanescent prosori, or of germinated resting spores, behave similarly. Differentiation of planospores into gametes is not hastened by overripening of the sporangia. Planospores form large aggregates, or clumps of various sizes, but their relation to sexuality is uncertain. There may be a few zygotes or none at all in aggregates consisting of 100 or more planospores whereas in the neighbourhood large numbers of individual pairs might have fused to form zygotes and without attracting the free swimming planospores.

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