A comparative physiological and morphological study of <e1>Dendryphiella salina</e1> and <e1>D. arenaria</e1> in relation to adaptation to life in the sea (J. Edwards and others)

A series of comparative physiological and morphological analyses are described for eighteen <e1>Dendryphiella</e1> isolates. Conidial characteristics of ten isolates showed relatively little variation as a result of different incubation conditions. Isolates were markedly tolerant to NaCl and KCl, although some variation between isolates was noted. A variety of nitrogen compounds could be utilized by most isolates although some grew poorly with certain nitrogen sources. Most isolates showed a wide pH growth range, particularly at alkaline values, and broad temperature growth profiles. The relevance of these physiological characteristics to the survival and fitness of <e1>Dendryphiella</e1> species in the marine environment is discussed.