Release of Airborne Basidiospores from the Pouch Fungus, Cryptoporus volvatus

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Abstract
Airborne basidiospores released from field-produced basidiocarps of C. volvatus (Pk.) Shear. were collected by placing a funnel, equipped with a collection vial, below each of 7 developing basidiocarps. Spores collected in the vials were counted every 7-11 days until spore release ceased (average 71 days). Spores released per basidiocarp averaged 2.5 .times. 109 (4.0 .times. 108/cm2 of pore surface), comparable to spore production by other polypores whose spores are wind disseminated. Spore-release patterns were not affected by rainfall. The unique subtending volva, long considered an adaptation for insect dispersal, appears to be a xerophytic adaptation which protects the hymenophore from desiccation. The volva allows production of airborne spores during the periods of low rainfall and relative humidity often associated with bark-beetle flights in areas of western North America where this fungus is most common.

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