Does Temperature Affect Mold Growth?
Chapter 16: Fungi

The blue-green powdery growth that is sometimes found on the skin of spoiled citrus fruit is one of the many species of molds—Penicillium. You have already learned that molds prefer a moist environment. Does temperature affect mold growth as well? You can find out when you…

Try This

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1. Rub two oranges on the floor. Then place the two oranges in a bowl on a table or countertop. Do not touch the oranges for two days.
2. Place one of the oranges in a plastic bag with a moist cotton ball and secure the plastic bag with a tie. Place the bag in the refrigerator.
3. Place the second orange in another plastic bag with a moist cotton ball and secure the bag with a tie. Place this bag in a warm, dark place
4. Observe the oranges daily for at least two weeks.

Analyze Your Results

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1. Did you see mold on either of the two oranges? If so, is there more mold on one orange than on the other?
2. What conclusions can you draw about the effect of temperature on the growth of molds?

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