O 



Fig. 8. — Partially mature ascospores released from the asci. The hyaline cells are 

 distorted, while the dark cells are round with a light outer rim or halo. (X 950) 



as July 15, when the field investigation was terminated. Stambaugh 

 and Bramble (56) stated that germinated ascospores were found in 

 fructifications of R. pseudotsugae in Pennsylvania on June 2. They 

 did not describe the general appearance of the spores in relation to 

 Wilson and Wilson's work (70), but stated that a single germ tube 

 developed. 



All of the germinating ascospores found within the apothecia, 

 or on the surface of the needles, developed strong lateral germ tubes 

 (Figs. 10 and 11). Quite often a spore, possibly trapped in some 

 manner, would germinate within the ascus, but even then germina- 

 tion was typically lateral. Occasionally an abnormally enlarged 

 hyaline cell occurred on an otherwise normal ascospore (Fig. 12). 

 Germinated dark cells of such spores always produced dark lateral 

 germ tubes. Rarely could the sheath be seen surrounding the dark 

 thick-walled cell even though it might be obvious around the hyaline 

 cell. After initial growth of about 3 to 5 ;j., the germ tube lost its 

 dark color and became hyaline. This occurred in the apothecium, 



31 



