I. Introduction

    This is a group of fungi which either lack the perfect stage - i.e. sexual reproduction, or whose perfect stage is as yet undiscovered. They reproduce most frequently by conidia or conidia-like spores, appearing like the Ascomycetes. Some seem more like Basidiomycetes. Many forms of Deuteromycota are pathogenic, affecting man, animals, or plants.
    The taxa in this group are called form genera.

II. Genera

A. Trichophyton interdigidale - Athletes foot or tinea pedis
B. Epidermophyton and Microsporum
    These fungi cause a variety of tineas and ringworms, affecting humans and animals.
C. Candida albicans - Candidiasis.
    This fungus is dimorphic, assuming a yeast-like or a hyphal form. Candidiasis typically is an irritating, itching condition which is more annoying than dangerous. Forms include vaginitis, and thrush.
D. Blastomyces - Blastomycosis.
    This can cause a mild skin infection or a potentially lethal pulmonary infection.
E. Histoplasma - Histoplasmosis.
    This widespread fungus occurs most frequently in guano, especially in bat caves, where there is little air flow, and a high concentration of spores. When inhaled, they can cause lung infections which vary from mild bronchial symptoms to lethality. It often results in capsules being formed in the lungs, which on x-rays appear like tuberculosis.
F. Arthrobotrys and Dactylella - Lassoing fungi.
    These and other interesting forms have either nooses of cells or adhesive cells which capture soil nematodes as they crawl in their vicinity.
G. Drechslera - Southern Corn Blight.
    This is a serious pest of agriculture.
H. Alternaria - Late Blight.
    This affects a variety of plants including wheat, mustards, and solanaceous plants.
I. Verticillium and Fusarium - wilts.
    Especially important in tomatoes and bananas.
J. Rhizoctonia - damping off, root rot, canker.
K. Tolypocladium
    This fungus is the source of cyclosporine, a vital drug for suppressing the immune response in transplant patients.   To Top of Page   To Plant Diversity Page    To Tony Futcher's Home Page