ASCOMYCETES EUASCI ASPERGILLUS 



257 



Fig. 85. Green Mould. (Aspergillus glaucus) 

 on the left, A. repens on the right, both with conidia 

 in chains, and conidiophores. After Siebenmann. 



Distribution. Found in Europe. 



Pathogenic properties. Found by Siebenmann in the ear. 



Aspergillus. Micheli 



Parasites or saprophytes with branched septate mycelium ; reproduction 

 sexual or asexual ; in the asexual, conidiophores enlarged at the end, the en- 

 larged portion bearing numerous small sterigmata, or these bearing smaller 

 sterigmata ; the conidia borne in chains ; occasionally sclerotia form ; perithecia 

 small with asci and ascospores. The ascigerous stage of a few only is known. 

 The life history of the common herbarium mould was first worked out by 

 DeBary. A little known A. sulphureus is said to cause muscular contractions, 

 and tubercular bodies. 



Aspergillus glaucus. (L.) Link 



Mycelium on or in the substratum forming a bluish green growth; conidia 

 spherical or somewhat elliptical, slightly roughened, 6-15 M in diameter, borne 

 in chains attached to a short simple sterigmata; perithecia form little yellow 

 masses ; each ascus has 8 colorless biconvex ascospores 8-10 v- in diameter. 



The life history of this fungus is as follows : This species is common in 

 stored grain and hay. The mycelium spreads over the surface and through the 

 substratum; it enters the kernel because of the dissolving action of an enzyme 

 produced by the mycelium. From this mycelium erect threads (conidiophores 

 or sporophores) arise which are enlarged at the end. From the enlarged portion 

 of the conidiophores numerous small and radiating stalks (sterigmata) are pro- 

 duced, each bearing a chain of spores, the end spores of the chain being the 

 older. These spores germinate under favorable conditions of moisture and 

 heat, and again give rise to the same stage. In addition to this, the conidial 

 stage, a second kind of reproductive body occurs. This is produced by the coil- 

 ing of a branch of the mycelium having several turns. Two or three slender 

 branches grow from the base. One of these grows more rapidly and connects 

 with the top of the spiral coil formed first. The contents of those last formed 



