Ethylene production by ascocarps of Elaphomyces species.

Ascocarps of the hypogaean fungus Elaphomyces spp. from some Swedish forest stands were examined for production of ethylene. Significant amounts were produced by mature ascocarps of E. asperulus and E. granulatus. E. muricatus, which was found only in juvenile or immature stages, did not produce ethylene. None of the ascocarps studied were infected by Cordyceps. The ecological role of the ethylene production by the ascocarps is shortly discussed.