Effects of salts and temperatures on post-irradiation growth of penicillium exposed to ultraviolet

The growth of Penicillium notatum colonies after UV irradiation of dried mycelium or spores was studied in relation to post-irradiation temperature and salt environment. Dried mycelium and spores behaved differently with respect to sensitivity to temperature, salts and UV, especially the latter. Threshold inhibitory doses for spores were modified markedly either at 4°C or in magnesium and calcium chlorides. It is suggested that these temperature and salt effects are related to prevention of photochemical membrane damage.