Effect of various trace elements on the growth and sporulation of Claviceps Microcephala and Microxyphiella hibiscifolia

Abstract

Out of fifteen trace elements tested, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu were found to be essential for the growth as well as sporulation of Claviceps microcephala and Microxyphiella hibiscifolia; Mo for C. microcephala but not for M. hibiscifolia; Ca for M. hibiscifolia but not for C. microcephala. No other trace element was found to be essential for either of these fungi. Optimum concentrations in ppm of essential trace elements were found to be as follows: C. microcephala, Fe 0.2, Zn 0.1, Mn 1.0, Cu 0.01 (0.01-0.1) and Mo 1.0; M. hibiscifolia, Fe 0.01 (0.01-0.1), Zn 10.0, Mn 1.0, Cu 10.0 and Ca 10.0. Concentrations higher than the optimum were progressively inhibitory to the respective fungi.