Some observations concerning microsclerotia and spore production of Mycoleptodiscus terrestris in culture

Some interesting growth characteristics of Mycoleptodiscus terrestris were discovered while evaluating the fungus as a potential bioherbicide for management of the submersed macrophyte, Hydrilla verticillata. Microsclerotia were produced readily in a liquid culture medium containing a basal salts solution supplemented with corn steep liquor powder and glucose. Dried microsclerotia were capable of germinating hyphally within 24 h and sporogenically within 72 h. Initiation of spore production was not dependent on the presence of host plant material or light.