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Karstenia ? on Blechnum
Chris Yeates,
05-09-2020 14:38

I have made a surprise collection on the rachis of a Blechnum spicant frond Superficially like a Karstenia, but I appreciate that this is not an easy area.
Given that I have only scant material I would appreciate some guidance on microscopical examination. Presumably water first and then which reagents?
Thanks, Chris
Erwin Gruber,
05-09-2020 14:47
Re : Karstenia ? on Blechnum
Chris, as your photos reveal, the tiny ascomata - or conidiomata? grew on the leaf stalk of (Blechnum) now again preferred Struthiopteris spicant. Rachis is the right term for the leaf midrib, proceeding the stipe in the blade.
I may not provide guidance for examination so far, sorry!
Best regards
Erwin
p.s. Did you ever find or sample this parasitic fungus? http://www.ascofrance.fr/forum/64784/reports-of-parasitic-cryptomycina-pteridis
I may not provide guidance for examination so far, sorry!
Best regards
Erwin
p.s. Did you ever find or sample this parasitic fungus? http://www.ascofrance.fr/forum/64784/reports-of-parasitic-cryptomycina-pteridis
Hans-Otto Baral,
05-09-2020 16:17
Re : Karstenia ? on Blechnum
I suggest to try a median section with a razor blade - important are the periphysoids on the margin. Of course the IKI reaction is necessary to check, of the hymenium and of the ascus apical ring. - My guess is a Karstenia indeed.

