Development and fine structure of sclerotia and spores of the actinomycete Chainia olivacea.

Sclerotia and spores of Chainia olivacea were studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Sclerotia formed by repeated branching of several hyphea. Branch tips were delimited by septa and increased in size, becoming filled with lipid-like inclusions. In mautre sclerotia, empty cells and intra-hyphal growth were observed. An electron-dense fibrillar material was deposited between hyphae and on the sclerotium surface. The similarities between these and the sclerotia of certain fungi are discussed. Spores were formed in a manner similar to that in Streptomyces species. Large inter-sporal pads were formed during ingrowth of the septa delimiting the spores.