Fungal parasites of the green alga Chaetomorpha media

Abstract

Green alga Chaetomorpha media (C. Agardh) Kiitzing, collected from intertidal beaches in Goa, was found to be infected with the fungi Pontisma lagenidioides Petersen and Labyrinthula sp. Approximately 5 % of the alga was infected by these fungi in nature. Inoculation of healthy alga by the fungi in the laboratory resulted in severe infection and whole plants were destroyed in 12 to 15 d. The severity of diseases was measured in terms of percentage of diseased cells and loss in fresh weight. Maximum infection occurred at salinities of 30 and 35 %o. Infection was greater when the algal cultures were aerated. Culturing of Labynnthula sp. in the laboratory is also reported.