Life cycle and morphology of Physarum pusillum (Myxomycetes) on agar culture

Myxomycetes (slime molds) are unique eukaryotic microorganisms with both characteristics of fungi and amoebae. Artificial cultures grown under controlled conditions were used to study the life cycle and morphogenesis. Physarum pusillum was collected from the field. Spores were inoculated and cultured with the hanging drop method. The complete life cycle was observed from spore to spore on agar without adding any solid nutrients or bacteria as food. Life cycle morphological characteristics were described for spore germination, myxamoebae, zygote, plasmodium and sporangia formation.

► First study on axenic culture of Physarum pusillum (myxomycetes).
► Discussed the influence of temperature and moisture to ontogeny of P. pusillum.
► Compared the characteristics of cultured samples with environment samples.
► Supplement the life cycle of Physarum.