The effects of temperature and pH on the Germination of spores of the Chalkbrood fungus, Ascosphaera apis
Author(s)
Sally Bamford And L. A. F. Heath
Abstract
The effects of environmental temperature and pH on 3 stages of spore germination in Ascosphaera apis were investigated. Activation and enlargement were independent of temperature within a range of 10 to 4O°C, and 25 to 4O°C, respectively. Germ-tube production was closely temperature-related, only occurring within the range 25 to 37°C, with an optimum between 31 and 35°C. All 3 stages were independent of pH within the range of pH 5 to 7.8 (equivalent to those found in larval haemolymph and gut contents). Lower pH's (equivalent to those found in honey, pollen, and brood food) drastically reduce enlargement and germ-tube production. A. apis appears to be a pathogen highly specialised for life in honeybee larvae.
Keywords
temperature, pH, germination of spores, Ascosphaera apis
