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Ascospores

Spore category. Produced by morels, truffles, cup fungi, ergot and many micro-fungi.

Ascospores microphoto Ascospores microphoto2

Characteristics

Distribution

Ubiquitous.
More than 3,000 genera.

Where Found

Saprophytes and plant pathogens. Found everywhere in nature.

Mode of Dissemination

Spores are predominantly forcibly discharged during periods of high humidity or rain.

Growth Indoors

The cellulolytic ascomycetes Chaetomium and Ascotricha are frequently found growing indoors on damp substrates.

Industrial Uses

Dependent on genus and species.

Other Comments

Some of the common asexual fungi such as Penicillium and Aspergillus produce sexual forms under certain conditions; these are classified in the ascomycete group and given distinct names. For example, the most common sexual forms of Penicillium are Talaromyces and Eupenicillium; the most common sexual forms of Aspergillus are Eurotium and Emericella.

Potential Health Effects

Allergens

Highly variable, dependent on genus and species. Poorly studied.

Potential Opportunist or Pathogen

Dependent on genus and species, but the vast majority do not cause disease.

Potential Toxin Production

Very many, dependent on genus and species.

Laboratory Notes

Growth/Culture Characterisics

While some ascomycetes sporulate in culture (Chaetomium, Pleospora), many are parasitic plant pathogens, and sporulate (grow) only on living host plants.

Spore Trap Recognition

Many ascospores are distinctive. Many others will be classified as "other colorless." In general, ascospores are recognizable by the fact that they have no attachment points, and are sometimes enclosed in gelatinous sheaths or within a sac.

Tape Lift Recognition

Many ascomycetes are distinctive, and readily identified on tape samples, especially if fruiting bodies are present.