In Vitro Growth and Nutrition of Buergenerula spartinae, a Fungus Associated with Spartina alterniflora

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Abstract
The Ascomycete B. spartinae, occurs commonly on the leaves and culms of salt marsh cordgrass, S. alterniflora, and appears to be limited to this host in the USA. This fungus can be observed on the growing, senescing and dead stages of the plant and appears to invade initially as a weak parasite. Growth of the fungus increased with increasing salinity to 30%. The optimum temperature was 30.degree. C. The dry matter produced by the fungus decreased with increasing concentrations of mannitol and polyethylene glycol indicating that the growth response was due to an ionic rather than an osmotic effect with seawater. Greater mycelium production occurred in standing vs. shake culture and when cultures were exposed to light. All of the 12 carbohydrates tested were utilized except galactose and mannitol. Ammonium salts were the most readily utilized N sources, followed by amino acids and NaNO3. Growth was greatest at C:N ratios of 5:1 to 20:1. Thiamine, biotin and pyridoxine were required and growth was reduced when Fe and Zn were deleted from the culture medium.