Conidia of Conidiobolus coronatus and their germ tubes and hyphal bodies were studied by scanning electron microscopy. This fungus was found to form these stages in a large number and wide variety, which enables it to adapt itself to the conditions of the environment. Conidiobolus coronatus is able not only to parasitize man, mammals, insects and plants, but it grows also as a saprophyte. The discharged conidia are at first highly turgid and with smooth surface. Later their surface becomes slightly undulate. The membranes of older conidia are regularly pitted or furrowed, only the papilla with its circular facets remains relatively smooth. Also the surface of germ tubes and hyphae becomes gradually furrowed due to drying and shift of protoplasm.
Krejzová R. (1977): Morphology and surface structure of Conidiobolus coronatus (Cost.) Batko II. Formation and germination of conidia. – Česká Mykologie 31(3): 139–141.
