Manganese-mediated morphogenesis in Penicillium claviforme and Penicillium clavigerum

Abstract

The colonial morphology and growth of Penicillium claviforme and P. clavigerum in manganese-deficient, defined medium, were examined with and without manganese supplementation. In unsupplemented medium rendered free of manganese through treatment with a chelating resin, P. claviforme grew but did not produce coremia. Similar results were obtained for P. clavigerum on media devoid of added manganese. However, when these media were supplemented with optimal concentrations of manganese both fungi produced coremia. The presence of manganese in various colony sections of P. claviforme was determined using neutron activation analysis. Maximal accumulation occurred in the conidia.