Ascospores
Spore category. Produced by morels, truffles, cup fungi, ergot and many micro-fungi.
Distribution Where Found Mode of Dissemination
Ubiquitous.
More than 3,000 genera. Saprophytes and plant pathogens. Found everywhere in nature./span> Spores are predominantly forcibly discharged during periods of high humidity or rain.
Allergen Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Potential Toxin Production
Highly variable, dependent on genus and species. Poorly studied. Dependent on genus and species, but the vast majority do not cause disease. Very many, dependent on genus and species.
Growth Indoors Industrial Uses Other Comments
The cellulolytic ascomycetes Chaetomium and Ascotricha are frequently found growing indoors on damp substrates. Dependent on genus and species. 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.
Characteristics: Growth/Culture Notes on Spore Trap Recognition Notes on Tape Lift Recognition
While some ascomycetes sporulate in culture (Chaetomium, Pleospora), many are parasitic plant pathogens, and sporulate (grow) only on living host plants. 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. Many ascomycetes are distinctive, and readily identified on tape samples, especially if fruiting bodies ar