Joe Ogrodnick
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Ejection of Ascospores, 2006

Natural Science Photograph; digital SLR capture; modified darkfield illumination using electronic flash

New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Cornell University, Geneva, New York, United States

This photograph reveals the ejection of mature ascospores by the apothecia (mushrooms) of the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in response to reduction of the relative humidity and changes in air pressure (osmotic pressure or potential) achieved by removing the petri dish cover. The ascospores are so small and numerous, they appear as smoke in this photograph.

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