Success in the isolation and axenic culture of Anaptychia ciliaris (Physciaceae, Lecanoromycetes) mycobiont

• Germination of the ascospores of Anaptychia ciliaris succeeded on an inorganic media (BBM) after 7 days.
• The highest biomass yield was obtained in organic media (3G-LBM) after 300 days.
• The cultures were able to synthesize pigments after 50 days.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the optimum conditions for culturing Anaptychia ciliaris mycobionts in vitro and analyzing their ontogenetic development while in culture. After the testing of two germination and four development media, results of germination and growth were evaluated. We here recommend the use of basal medium without additional carbon source for germination process. Mycobiont growth was possible in all organic media tested. The maximum mycobiont growth was observed in Lilly and Barnet medium enriched with 3% glucose.