Mating-type interactions between sporidia of a wheat-bunt fungus Tilletia caries

Mating-type interactions between monokaryons (secondary sporidia and mycelia] of Tilletia caries were studied. Preconjugation pegs were produced by sporidia after displacement of stimulating (opposite mating type) cells and the pegs continued to elongate. Sporidia of opposite mating types conjugated when subjected to a treatment that would disrupt fimbrial connections. Multiple hyphal tips were produced by differentiating sporidia separated from monokaryons of opposite mating type. The response was sex specific. In some instances the factors causing these responses were apparently retained in the agar substrate.