A new model for germination of fungi

The objective of this study was to design a germination model dedicated to fungi. The percentage of germinated spores, P(%), depended on the maximum percentage of germination Pmax (%), the germination time, τ (h) and a design parameter, d (-) according to : P=Pmax1−11+tτd. The model was capable to fit satisfactorily either apparent symmetric and asymmetric shapes of germination curves. The accuracy of τ determined by using the logistic or the present model was at least twice that obtained by the Gompertz equation. In contrast to the logistic model, the new model is by essence asymmetric. Therefore, its use is consistent with skewed distributions of the individual germination times that were observed experimentally in many cases.

Research highlights► Up to now, the Gompertz and the logistic models are widely used for determining the germination time, τ, of fungal spores. ► The Gompertz model fits asymmetric germination curves but provides inaccurate estimate of τ. ► The logistic model provides accurate estimate of τ but fits symmetrical germination curves. ► In this study a new asymmetric model was described. ► The new model provided accurate estimates of τ and fitted both asymmetric and symmetric germination curves.