Influence of Nutrition, Environment, and the Isolate, on Basidiocarp Formation, Development, and Structure in Athelia (Sclerotium) rolfsii

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Abstract
Forty-two isolates of S. rolfsii from California [USA] were grown on 8 media to determine nutritional conditions promoting formation of the teleomorph (A. rolfsii). Most of the isolates (71%) formed hymenia on PDA [potato dextrose agar] containing 2% activated charcoal (C-PDA). Of an additional 34 isolates from areas other than California, 17 also fruited on this medium. The extent of hymenial formation on C-PDA was influenced by the conditions of incubation and the isolate. Best results were obtained when 6 or 8 mm diameter mycelial plugs taken from 8-10 day old PDA cultures were used as inocula, and when dishes were incubated for 4-5 wk at 24-28.degree. C and low light intensities. Transfer of mycelial plugs from a nutrient-rich medium, e.g., PDA, to one poorer in nutrients, e.g., Brown''s medium or dilute PDA, induced fruiting in certain isolates. In general, nutritional or environmental conditions that restricted optimal growth and sclerotial production by the fungus favored hymenial formation. The salient features of the development and structure of the basidiocarp are described and illustrated.

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