Variability of Pestalotia spp. with special reference to the effect of media, temperature and light on their growth, sporulation and spore germination

Potalo dextrose and mango leaf extract agar media were found to be the most favourable for mycelial growth of Pestalotia spp. The optimum temperature for growth and sporulation was 25°C. Continuous light promoted mycelial growth and continuous darkness retarded it. The maximum percentage of germinated spores was obtained under intermittent daylight conditions. Germination of Pestalotia spores occurred at various stages of maturity. The percentage of germination decreased with the increase of the storage period in the host tissues, and after 12 months spores lost their viability completely. Mycelia in the same infected tissues, however, were found to be still alive and capable of producing new fructifications till 18 months. Morphological characters of the fungus, and mode of spore germination were also investigated.