The growth requirements of Phoma violacea, with reference to its disfiguration of painted surfaces

SUMMARY Growth requirements of Phoma violacea in comparison with the commoner paint‐attacking fungi Pullularia pullulans and Cladosporium herbarum were determined. In liquid culture media, growth occurred over a range of pH values from 3 to 8, double optimal pH values being noted. A wide range of carbohydrates supported good growth. Lipolysis was not marked. Phoma violacea strains were autotrophic for vitamins. Zinc oxide exhibited fungistatic properties at 5% in agar medium, but was not fungicidal. White lead caused slight fungistasis while titanium dioxide had no marked effect on fungal growth.