Ultrastructure of conidium ontogeny in Phoma pomorum, Microsphaeropsis olivaceum, and Coniothyrium fuckelii

The techniques of electron microscopy have been used to elucidate the details of conidium ontogeny in Phoma pomorum, Microsphaeropsis olivaceum, and Coniothyrium fuckelii. All three of these organisms were shown to be phialidic. The pyenidia of these organisms contained an electron-dense matrix, which in nature, probably functions as an aid to spore dispersal. In Phoma pomorum it was possible to trace conidia to their originating conidiophore through this matrix.