Effects of UV on the spores of the fungal species Arthrobotrys oligospora and A-ferox

The effects of UV irradiation (lambda > 380 nm and lambda > 265 nm) on spore suspensions of a European strain of Arthrobotrys oligospora (hyphomycete) have been investigated and compared with those on a strain of the Antarctic species, A. ferox. Emission and excitation spectra of control and irradiated spore suspensions of both strains suggest a higher vulnerability of A. oligospora, which would be consistent with changes in membrane permeability and a lower amount of UV-protecting substances. Germination tests on UV-B irradiated spores confirm the higher resistance of A. ferox, which seems better adapted to the high UV radiation levels characterizing Antarctic environments.