ASCOMYCETES 



IS i 



development of short, modified hyphal cells (Fig. 66, d). These 

 are properly the ascogenous cells, which by an abundant budding 

 process form frequently an almost continuous layer beneath the 

 cuticle. The asci develop from these ascogenous cells, as upward 

 prolongations, pushing through the cuticle, while the original 

 ascogenous cell is finally cut off by a cross wall as a stalk or foot 



Fie. (/>. KXOASCUS ON PEACH: ASCI, GERMINATING STORKS, AND II\ rn.i: 

 (b, c, and d after Pierce) 



portion. The ascus is usually somewhat truncated at the apex and 

 densely filled with protoplasm. It may measure 25-40 x 8-n/z 

 (ave. 30-35 x 9-10). As a rule it contains at maturity eight 

 spores, although the number may vary from four to eight (Fig. 

 66, a]. These asci often arise in such numbers that they form prac- 

 tically a continuous palisade-like- layer over the fruiting surface. 



The asrospnres may bud before being thrown out of the asms, 

 but as a rule the spores are forcibly ejected from the ascus a I 

 maturity. Budding results in the successive production of conidia, 



