Comparative Physiology of Two Isolates of Entomophthora egressa

Abstract
Isolate 458 of E. egressa from larvae of the eastern hemlock looper and isolate 521 from larvae of the spruce budworm [Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria (Guen.) and Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)] differed in colony morphology on coagulated egg yolk medium, protoplast growth rate in modified Grace''s medium, regeneration sequence, effect on growth medium [pH, osmolality, individual and total ninhydrin-positive compound (NPC) levels, total protein and glucose concentration], rate of glucose uptake, protein synthesis, degree of amino acid utilization and growth response to CO2. The major NPC utilized included L-aspartic acid, L-glutamic acid, L-lysine, L-histidine, L-tyrosine, L-leucine, L-valine, L-glutamine, glycine, DL-serine and .beta.-alanine. The major endogenous protoplast NPC were L-glutamic acid, L-histidine, L-alanine, DL-serine and glycine with moderate levels of L-aspartic acid, L-arginine, L-proline, L-glutamine, L-asparagine and .beta.-alanine. As a result of developmental and physiological differences, isolates 458 and 521 are considered representatives of 2 distinct physiological races of E. egressa.