Uredospore production by axenically grown flax rust (Melampsora lini(Ehrenb.) Lev.) was measured as carotenoids (extinction units at 458ensp;nm) per milligram protein. Sporulation was not affected by raising (flushing with 1ndash;5 (v/v) CO2in air) or lowering (KOH well in culture flasks) the level of CO2in the air space above the cultures. Significant (two- to four-fold) increases in sporulation occurred beneath impermeable membranes of Parafilm or Saran wrap placed on the surface of young (3 weeks from seeding) mycelial mats for 2 weeks. The stimulatory effect was confined strictly to those areas of the mycelial mats in contact with the membranes. Both Parafilm and Saran wrap were easily and cleanly peeled away from the mycelial mats. Permeable Unipore and HVHP membranes, to which the fungus adhered strongly, did not stimulate sporulation. The fungus did not adhere to Unipore or HVHP membranes treated with silicone or paraffin oil; membranes thus treated stimulated sporulation. The stimulatory effect of membranes on sporulation appears to depend on the nature of the contact between the membrane surface and the mycelium and to be unrelated to the effect of the membranes on the diffusion of gases or other volatile substances.
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