Axenic germination of <i>Scutellospora erythropa </i>and <i>Scutellospora nigra </i>in <i>in vitro </i>conditions

Abstract

Spores of <i>Scutellospora erythropa </i>and <i>Scu. nigra </i>isolated from neem rhizosphere soils from coastal regions of Chennai were tested for axenic germination in <i>in vitro </i>conditions. They showed positive results in media of different composition using root exudates, soil extract, thiamine HCl and inositol. The combined medium increased the spore germination in <i>Scu.</i>

<i>erythropa </i>and in <i>Scu. nigra </i>over water agar control. The germ tube often grew up to 3.8 cm on combined media but no vegetative spores and extramatrical auxiliary cells were observed during the experiment. There was significant increase in hyphal growth when the roots were introduced into the medium, 3 days after spore germination.