116 



THE FUNGI IMPERFECTI AND THE ASCOMYCETES 



N. sitophila is found in soil and on vegetation. It has been espe- 

 cially found in burned-over forest areas. It is most important as 

 a cause of trouble in bakeries because it results in infected bread. 



Fig. 68. Neurospora sitophila ascospores. 



The organisms are difficult to eliminate and are said to be extraor- 

 dinarily resistant to heat when they are not wetted. This species 

 may become a serious pest in bacteriological laboratories, and spe- 



FiG. 69. Neurospora sitophila showing arrangement of conidia. Photograph by- 

 dark field illumination. 



cial care should be taken not to let the spores be scattered. See 

 Chapter VIII for industrial use of this mold. 



Monascus. Monascus purpureus is a mold not often isolated by 

 the bacteriologist, but it is one of some importance and interest. Its 



