structure can be frequently observed inside sclerotium. Figure 1.6 illustrates variety
of internal structure of sclerotia grain.
The biochemical properties of C. geophilum sclerotia that allow them to remain in
the soil and retain their structure are unclear. The possible contributions of various
components, including a melanin-like pigment, have been discussed to explain the
resistance of Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. sclerotia against biological and chemical
degradation (Chet et al. 1967); and melanin deposited in cell walls has also been
implicated in the degradation resistance of C. geophilum (Malik and Haider 1982).
In addition, a particular fungal melanin, dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin,
known as polyketide melanin, is believed to be involved in the high resistance of
Fig. 1.5 Features of Cg sclerotia grain with a hollow internal structure and honeycomb transverse
wall observed by an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (right two)
Fig. 1.6 SEM observation of some Cg sclerotia grains sliced into half
1 Introduction
7
of internal structure of sclerotia grain.
The biochemical properties of C. geophilum sclerotia that allow them to remain in
the soil and retain their structure are unclear. The possible contributions of various
components, including a melanin-like pigment, have been discussed to explain the
resistance of Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. sclerotia against biological and chemical
degradation (Chet et al. 1967); and melanin deposited in cell walls has also been
implicated in the degradation resistance of C. geophilum (Malik and Haider 1982).
In addition, a particular fungal melanin, dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin,
known as polyketide melanin, is believed to be involved in the high resistance of
Fig. 1.5 Features of Cg sclerotia grain with a hollow internal structure and honeycomb transverse
wall observed by an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (right two)
Fig. 1.6 SEM observation of some Cg sclerotia grains sliced into half
1 Introduction
7