Cenococcum graniforme in Poland

During the field investigations 72 localities of <i>Cenococcum graniforme</i> (Sów.) Ferd. et Winge, mostly in central Poland were stated. At more than 50% of places sclerotia of <i>C. graniforme</i> were found together with carpophores of <i>Elaphomyces granulatus</i> Fr. and/or <i>E. muricatus</i> Fr. Before present investigations <i>C. graniforme</i> was known in Poland only as a fossil fungus and as an ectomycorrhizal partner of some trees. Now <i>C. graniforme</i> seems to be a common fungus in Poland. The maps of its distribution, according to the actually known localities are presented in this paper. The names of localities in Poland are listed on pages 35-38. Besides Poland, the author found <i>C. graniforme</i> in England, Austria and East Germany.

Allelopathic effects of Cladonia cristatella on ectomycorrhizal fungi common to bituminous strip-mine spoils

Acetone–toluene extracts of Cladonia cristatella inhibited the growth of fungi known to form ectomycorrhizal associations with trees commonly found on bituminous strip-mine spoils in western Pennsylvania. Growth of Pisolithus tinctorius and Suillus luteus was completely inhibited by C. cristatella extracts over a 30-d bioassay period. Thelephora terrestris was dead after 17 d. The growth of Cenococcum graniforme was unaffected by lichen extracts. D-Usnic acid, a major secondary compound of the C. cristatella extract, was found to inhibit the growth of P. tinctorius. This inhibition, however, did not account for the total inhibition of P. tinctorius demonstrated by the gross acetone–toluene extract. Other secondary compounds, and potential allelopathic substances, present in the extract were barbatic acid, didymic acid, condidymic acid, subdidymic acid, fumarprotocetraric acid, squamatic acid, and rhodocladonic acid.

Technique for the observation of early morphological changes during ectomycorrhiza formation

Flat, transparent polyester growth pouches were used for synthesis of ectomycorrhizae on Pinus strobus seedlings. Typical ectomycorrhizae with mantle and Hartig net were obtained within 5 days after inoculation with Pisolithus tinctorius. An extensive extramatrical network of hyphae and hyphal strands could be observed within 15 days after ectomycorrhizae formation. The process was somewhat slower with Cenococcum graniforme. Other proven ectomycorrhizal fungi on P. strobus were unsuccessful in forming ectomycorrhizae under conditions used in these experiments.