ECOLOGICAL STUDIES ON TILE SYMBIOSIS OF TER ITOMYCES ...

Discussion
There was very little fungal growth on tho Mcroterme-a fungus
combs when compared to the Macrotermes bellicasus funaus combs
(Tables 5-6-1 and 5*6.2). The main fungi Crowing on the Hicrotarmns
combs were those coc=nly brought In by the temItes with the foods
and which do not dovelop until the comb in removed from the natural
habitat, No growth of, Ularia rhizomorphs or conidia-boaring atroma
was recorded from any 111crotermas fungus combal or any Xylaria
cultures obtained from theme One problem with the Mcrotermen fungus
combs was caused by their small size resulting in them being subject
to more rapid desiccation than Me bellicosus fungus combs thus
Inhibiting fungal Growtho
The general devolopwnt of fungi on M. bellico'nui3 fungus combs
can be described as follows*
After "I days the combs are covered by vhite alarla mycellume
A few loose agglomerations of tho mycellur4 occur whicli fom stnx=
which develop an columns ft the combs surfaceg reaching approximately
2 cm In height by day 2, Theso are rhizomorphs (Plate 5.6-I)e
Approximately half the Incubated combs produce thin upright stroma of
&Ietrias Initially whitel with a powdery surface caused by the
production of con1dia'(Figg. 5*6,1,5.6.4 and Plate 5.6e2)* Although
the mycotetes of Termitcay-cem aire obvious when the comb In placed In
the pott these do not develop and have disappeared by day 5. This
has also been reported by Patch (1906) and 11alm (1952a),
Dy day 5 the rhizomorplis and conidia-boaring sttvm of XXIarin
are beginnifig to' ýIaclccý
244.
: from the base up., Between days 5 and 10 dark
brown pod-shaped strom may appear on approximately half of thg fungus