Two-dimensional fractal growth properties of the filamentous fungus Cryphonectria parasitica: the effects of hypovirus infection.

Whole-colony two-dimensional fractal growth patterns produced by hypovirus-infected Cryphonectria parasitica (EP155/CHV1-EP713) were measured and compared with those produced by the isogenic virus-free strain (EP155) on solid medium. We have quantified statistically significant differences in the rates of expansion and spatial dynamics of colony growth between the two strains and concluded that fractal dimension is affected by the presence of the hypovirus. Therefore, fractal dimension measurement is an effective quantitative tool for testing the effects of mycovirus infection on fungal growth parameters. (c) 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.