Experimental Studies on Cultured Species

Abstract

Several species of trichomycetes are available in axenic culture, and this has permitted the design and analysis of various experiments, some strictly in vitro, others in vivo. Mosquito larvae have been the host of choice for studies with Smittium spp. because of the relative ease with which the larvae can be manipulated and raised axenically in the laboratory, their short developmental cycles, and the background of information on their growth and physiology available to investigators. The fungi used in experimental studies have been Amoebidium parasiticum, Smittium culisetae, S. culicis, S. simulii, S. mucronatum, and several isolates of unidentified Smittium species. Currently available cultures are listed in Appendix C, and methods for their isolation and maintenance in culture are given in Chapter 3.