Pyrenomycetes help

[Ditiola]

I have not previously looked at many Prenomycetes with the microscope.

From other photo's I am sure that this one collected this week is Chaetospharella phaeostroma. However I have been unable to find any spores or asci even after searching several mounts carefully.



Are most prenomycetes seasonal in their production of asci and spores? If so when is the best time to find them with asci and spores?

Any tips on preparing the often hard perithecia for mountiung under the scope?

Peter

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by Ditiola

I have not previously looked at many Prenomycetes with the microscope.

From other photo's I am sure that this one collected this week is Chaetospharella phaeostroma. However I have been unable to find any spores or asci even after searching several mounts carefully.



Are most prenomycetes seasonal in their production of asci and spores? If so when is the best time to find them with asci and spores?

Any tips on preparing the often hard perithecia for mountiung under the scope?

Peter

Hi Peter

I can't help re your initial question but I think a mortar and pestle may help ... gently of course

John

PS A quick google suggests Yes! Rain and humidity play an important part!

[Chris Yeates]

Originally Posted by Ditiola

I have not previously looked at many Prenomycetes with the microscope.

From other photo's I am sure that this one collected this week is Chaetospharella phaeostroma. However I have been unable to find any spores or asci even after searching several mounts carefully.



Are most prenomycetes seasonal in their production of asci and spores? If so when is the best time to find them with asci and spores?

Any tips on preparing the often hard perithecia for mountiung under the scope?

Peter

Hi Peter

because of their nature "pyrenomycetes" look pretty much the same whether they are fertile or effete. One trick it to cut across a few fruitbodies in the field - you should see liquid contents if not then the fungus is probably past it . . .

You could try this though - take a totally clean soft camel-hair paint brush (i.e. with no possible stray spores on it), and then wet it and brush all over the surface of your fungus and then run that around a drop of water on the slide; do this a couple of times and see if you have any spores - I finf this often works with Hypoxylon spores.

As you probably know they are pretty diagnostic; see half-way down more black balls

For what it's worth I'm pretty sure that you do have the Chaetosphaerella there

just remembered I have a PM from you I should have responded to - will do that this w/end

cheers

Chris

[Ditiola]

Thanks Chris
My current specimens appear to all be empty dry shells
I will try the brush technique on future Pyrenomycete collections. I will need to stock up on brushes.

Peter