VIEW ARTICLE

Behavior of Sclerotia of Sclerotium rolfsii Produced in Soil or in Culture Regarding Germination Stimulation by Volatiles, Fungistasis, and Sodium Hypochlorite Treatment. R. G. Linderman, Research Plant Pathologist, Northeastern Region, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, Maryland 20705; R. G. Gilbert, Research Microbiologist, Western Region, ARS, USDA, Phoenix, Arizona 85040. Phytopathology 63:500-504. Accepted for publication 17 October 1972. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-63-500.

Sclerotia of Sclerotium rolfsii produced in soil or culture were both stimulated to germinate on soil when exposed to vapors of volatile growth stimulants. Treatment with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) enhanced germination of both types of sclerotia without volatile stimulants. Sclerotia produced in culture were more sensitive to NaOCl than sclerotia produced in soil. Sclerotia produced in culture did not germinate on soil after 10-min treatment with NaOCl and most were bleached after 15 min. In contrast, sclerotia produced in soil generally tolerated 30 min in NaOCl and were not bleached at the end of that time. Since these results suggest structural and/or physiological differences, the use of sclerotia produced in soil rather than in culture is advocated for soil ecological studies. The procedures for producing soil sclerotia are presented.