Temperature-dependent growth in isolates of Corollospora maritima Werderm. (Ascomycetes) from different geographical regions

Abstract

The growth rates of five strains of the marine ascomycete Corollospora maritima Werderm., isolated from different geographical regions, show significant differences in their responses to temperature. At 30 °C, strains isolated from warm waters are able to grow at higher rates than cold-water isolates. At 10 °C, strains isolated from cold waters grow at higher rates than warm-water isolates (P < 0.05). A strain isolated from temperate waters shows growth rates intermediate between those of the cold- and warm-water isolates. Strains of C. maritima thus appear to be adapted to grow best near the temperatures at which they are found in nature. It is suggested that the cosmopolitan classification of C. maritima be reexamined, and that the species consists of distinct physiological races which maintain characteristic temperature responses in the laboratory. © 1987.