Rhopalomyces and Spinellus in Pure Culture and the Parasitism of Rhopalomyces on Nematode Eggs

Abstract

SINCE the description of Rhopalomyces elegans by Corda¹, numerous investigators have unsuccessfully attempted to germinate its spores and to grow it in pure culture. As a consequence, the systematic position of this fungus has been in doubt, and the repeated suggestion that R. elegans is parasitic on nematodes or their eggs could not be proved. Martin² has published a useful summary. Based on studies of material found on various substrata, Boedijn³ recently erected the family Helicocephalidaceae to include this fungus in the Mucorales. Rhopalomyces minor, a new species reported by Windisch⁴, is not considered by us to be a member of the genus sensu Corda, because R. minor has regularly septate mycelia and conidiophores. He is, therefore, not the first to have a member of this genus in pure culture for study.