Acanthocytes of Stropharia rugosoannulata function as a nematode-attacking device

Efficient killing of nemotodes by Stropharia rugosoannulata Farlow ex Murrill cultures are observed. It is shown that the nematode-attacking activity of this fungus is carried out by these spiny acanthocytes and that mechanical force is an important factor in the process and the growth and nematode-attacking activity of the fungus in soil are also determined. Results suggest that acanthocytes are functional in soil.