The effect of irradiation and pH on sporulation and growth of Piricularia oryzae CAV. on tomato juice media

In an attempt to find a satisfactory environmental factors which facilitate abundant conidial production of Piriculariaoryzae Cav. on tomato juice media, various environmental factors were studied for their effect on sporulation and mycelial growth of the fungus. Those factors were conditions of irradiation, color of light, age of culture and pH of the media. l) Continuous exposure to fluorescent light (Mitsubish FL-20-35 W) produced more conidia and much mycelial growth than did intermittent photoperiods and darkness. 2) Of 3 cellophane filters and direct exposure to fluorescent light used, conidia were produced best under the direct exposure to the light. Conidial production in color filter conditions sequently decreased with red, yellow and blue. Growth of mycelium was not significantly different within colors. 3) Periodic irradiation of 12-hour unit brought about zones on mycelial growth no matter what the color filter was used. 4) Older cultures responding to the light were more stimulated by light than were the younger one in the conidia production, but maximum production of conidia was 48 hours of age in this case. 5) Color of the mycelial mat and the aerial mycelium seemed to have a close relation to the production of conidia. The more darkness of the mycelial mat was produced the more conidia and the much aerial mycelium was produced the least conidia. The color of mycelium was more dark under the continuous irradiation than continuous darkness, while the periodic irradiation showed intermediate effect. 6) The concentration of hydrogen ion for growth and sporulation of the fungus was investigated the ranges between 5 and 9. The best pH for the fungus was also noted at 7. whereas the below of pH 4 was not occurred any mycelial growth and sporulation.