Some Observation on the Alga Fragilaria crotonensis Kitton and its Parasitism by Two Chytridiaceous Fungi

It has been shown by experimentation that two morphologicallydistinct clones of Fragilaria crotonensis Kitton, isolated fromthe plankton of Windermere at approximately the same time, wereaffected quite differently by the chytrid Rhizophydium fragilariaeCanter. In one case the diatom filaments became heavily parasitizedand could be used for the maintenance of the fungus. In theother case infection was negligible. Additional clones, representative of these two morphologicalforms, from other bodies of water in the Windermere drainagebasin were tested. The same pattern of infection or relativenon-infection again ensued in direct accordance with the particulartype of filament used. Some preliminary experiments undertaken with a second, as yetlittle known chytrid parasite of F. crotonensis are reported.In this instance the fungus appeared to find its natural hoston cells belonging to the morphological form which failed tosupport the continued increase of R. fragilariae. The parasitism of morphological variants of F. crotonensis bythese fungi in the wild from Britain and else where is discussed. Fragilaria crotonensis Kitton, Rhizophydium fragilariae Canter, chytrid, diatom, parasitism, culture