Sedimentation velocity of myxomycete spores

Sedimentation velocities were measured for seven myxomycete species and one fungus. Values for these first measurements for Myxomycetes were fitted with the formula of Stoke’s law for the terminal velocity of small spherical bodies in air. The obtained correlation coefficient of R=0.939 indicates that sedimentation velocities of myxomycete spores follow Stoke’s law well. With spore density as a parameter, the fit estimated a mean density of 0.74 g/cm³ for air-dried spores. The importance of the stalked spore case as well as the spore diameter for dispersal abilities of Myxomycetes is discussed.