INFLUENCE OF INSECT LURES ON HYPHAL GROWTH AND SPORULATION OF CHOANEPHORA TRISPORA

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Abstract
The influence of 10 insect lures on hyphal growth and asexual and sexual sporulation of the heterothallic fungus Choanephora trispora was determined. The least toxic lures were 1,2-hexadecanediol, 1,2-epoxy-hexadecane, and Gyplure, while Trimedlure, Medlure, and methyl eugenol were the most inhibitory to hyphal growth. In general, if an insect lure permitted hyphal growth, formation of some sporangia was observed. Under normal conditions the plus mating type formed more sporangia than did the minus strain. Sporangia formation of both mating types was stimulated by 1,2-hexadecanediol. Methyl eugenol (0.06%) was observed to disrupt and inhibit the positive chemotactic response of the hyphae for the opposite mating types which is observed prior to formation of zygospores. In addition, two other eugenol derivatives, 0.03% eugenol acetate and 0.003% isoeugenol formate, were found to inhibit inception of zygospores. Levels of eugenol which did not influence hyphal growth also did not inhibit carotene synthesis, which is interrelated with the sexual processes of this fungus. Isoeugenol formate partially inhibited sporangia formation in both mating types.