Typhula

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Typhula
Typhula-quisquiliaris Sowerby crop.jpg
Typhula quisquiliaris, as illustrated by James Sowerby
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Agaricales
Family: Typhulaceae
Genus: Typhula
(Pers.) Fr. (1818)
Type species
Typhula incarnata (proposed) [1]
Lasch (1838)
Species
Synonyms

CnazonariaCorda
DacryopsellaHöhn.
GliocoryneMaire
PhacorhizaPers.
PistillariaFr.
PistillinaQuél.
SphaerulaPat.
TygervalleyomycesCrous

Contents

Typhula is a genus of clavarioid fungi in the order Agaricales. Species of Typhula are saprotrophic, mostly decomposing leaves, twigs, and herbaceous material. Basidiocarps (fruit bodies) are club-shaped or narrowly cylindrical and are simple (not branched), often arising from sclerotia. A few species are facultative plant pathogens, causing a number of commercially important crop and turfgrass diseases.

Taxonomy

The genus was first introduced as a section of Clavaria by South African-born mycologist Christiaan Hendrik Persoon in 1801. He differentiated Typhula from Clavaria on the basis of fruitbody shape (Typhula having a distinct head and stem). The name was taken up at generic level by Elias Magnus Fries in 1818. Fries described four species in the genus. Subsequent authors described another 150 or so species in Typhula. [3]

The genus was revised in 1950 by E. J. H. Corner, who characterized Typhula species as having fruit bodies arising from sclerotia, the genera Pistillaria and Pistillina accommodating similar species lacking sclerotia. [4] A later and more specialist revision by Jacques Berthier (1976) placed both these latter genera in synonymy. [5]

Molecular research, based on cladistic analysis of DNA sequences, indicates that the genus is monophyletic and forms a natural group. [1] The type species, T. phacorrhiza, is not, however, closely related to other species in the genus and belongs in Macrotyphula . Rather than rename all other species currently referred to Typhula or Macrotyphula, a proposal is being made to change the type species of Typhula to T. incarnata . [1]

Description

Basidiocarps (fruit bodies) arise singly or severally from a sclerotium or directly from the substrate. Fruit bodies are filiform (hair-like) to club-shaped, typically with a distinct sterile stalk and fertile head, normally white, in some species buff to pink, or with a dark reddish stem. The sclerotia (when present) are spherical to lentil-shaped, hard and horny, yellow-brown to blackish brown. Microscopically, the hyphal system is monomitic, the hyphae with or without clamp connections. The basidia produce 2 to 4 basidiospores that are smooth (lobed in one species), colourless, and amyloid or inamyloid. [5]

Habitat and distribution

Typhula species mostly occur as saprotrophs on dead herbaceous stems, fern stems, grass stems, fallen leaves, and woody detritus. Some species occur on a wide range of host plants, others—such as Typhula quisquiliaris on bracken—appear to be host-specific. [5] A few species are or can become facultative (opportunistic) parasites of crops and turfgrass.

Most species have been described from the north temperate zone, but little research has been undertaken in the tropics or southern hemisphere, where they are either less common or (as yet) overlooked. [5]

Economic importance

The psychrophilic species Typhula canadensis , [2] Typhula ishikariensis , and Typhula incarnata are the causal agents of grey snow mould (also called speckled snow mould or typhula blight), a disease that can destroy turfgrass when covered for a long period with snow. It is a particular problem on golf courses established in unsuitable areas. [6] More importantly, the same two species can also damage crops of winter wheat, as can the unrelated Macrotyphula phacorrhiza . [7]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clavariaceae</span> Family of fungi

The Clavariaceae are a family of fungi in the order Agaricales. Originally the family contained most of the clavarioid fungi, but in its current sense is more restricted, albeit with a greater diversity of basidiocarp forms. Basidiocarps are variously clavarioid or agaricoid (mushroom-shaped), less commonly corticioid or hydnoid.

<i>Rhizoctonia solani</i> Species of fungus

Rhizoctonia solani is a species of fungus in the order Cantharellales. Basidiocarps are thin, effused, and web-like, but the fungus is more typically encountered in its anamorphic state, as hyphae and sclerotia. The name Rhizoctonia solani is currently applied to a complex of related species that await further research. In its wide sense, Rhizoctonia solani is a facultative plant pathogen with a wide host range and worldwide distribution. It causes various plant diseases such as root rot, damping off, and wire stem. It can also form mycorrhizal associations with orchids.

<i>Typhula incarnata</i> Species of fungus

Typhula incarnata is a fungal plant pathogen in the family Typhulaceae.

Typhula ishikariensis is, along with Typhula incarnata, the causal agent of grey snow mould, an obligately parasitic plant pathogen that can destroy turfgrass when covered for a long period with snow. It is a particular problem on golf courses established in unsuitable areas. More importantly, it can also damage crops of winter wheat. The species was described as new to science in 1930 by Japanese mycologist Sanshi Imai. The varieties canadensis and ishikariensis were described in 1978. There is a wide variety within the species and not all authorities agree as to subspecies, or even whether it should be monophyletic.

<i>Ceratobasidium cornigerum</i> Species of fungus

Ceratobasidium cornigerum is a species of fungus in the order Cantharellales. Basidiocarps are thin, spread on the substrate out like a film (effused) and web-like. An anamorphic state is frequently obtained when isolates are cultured. Ceratobasidium cornigerum is saprotrophic, but is also a facultative plant pathogen, causing a number of economically important crop diseases, and an orchid endomycorrhizal associate. The species is genetically diverse and is sometimes treated as a complex of closely related taxa. DNA research shows the species actually belongs within the genus Rhizoctonia.


Ceratellopsis is a genus of fungi in the family Clavariaceae. Basidiocarps grow gregariously on fallen wood, bark, and decaying plant material and are clavarioid, simple, small, with an acute apex. Only two species are currently recognized; other species formerly placed in Ceratellopsis have been transferred to other genera or are nomina dubia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Typhulaceae</span> Family of fungi

The Typhulaceae are a family of clavarioid fungi in the order Agaricales. Basidiocarps are small, simple, and typically club-shaped with a distinct stem. The family originally contained several genera, including Macrotyphula and Ceratellopsis, but molecular research, based on cladistic analysis of DNA sequences, has shown that only the type genus Typhula belongs in the Typhulaceae, the other genera being synonyms or belonging to other families. The monotypic genus Lutypha has not yet been sequenced.

<i>Clavaria</i> Genus of fungi

Clavaria is a genus of fungi in the family Clavariaceae. Species of Clavaria produce basidiocarps that are either cylindrical to club-shaped or branched and coral-like. They are often grouped with similar-looking species from other genera, when they are collectively known as the clavarioid fungi. All Clavaria species are terrestrial and most are believed to be saprotrophic. In Europe, they are typical of old, mossy, unimproved grassland. In North America and elsewhere, they are more commonly found in woodlands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clavarioid fungi</span> Group of fungi

The clavarioid fungi are a group of fungi in the Basidiomycota typically having erect, simple or branched basidiocarps that are formed on the ground, on decaying vegetation, or on dead wood. They are colloquially called club fungi and coral fungi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyphelloid fungi</span> Group of fungi

The cyphelloid fungi are a group of fungi in the Basidiomycota that have disc-, tube-, or cup-shaped basidiocarps, resembling species of discomycetes in the Ascomycota. They were originally referred to the genus Cyphella and subsequently to the family Cyphellaceae, but are now known to be much more diverse and are spread through several different genera and families. Since they are often studied as a group, it is convenient to call them by the informal (non-taxonomic) name of "cyphelloid fungi". Better known cyphelloid genera include Calyptella, with stalked, cup- or bell-like fruit bodies; Lachnella, with conspicuous, hairy-margined, disc-like fruit bodies; Flagelloscypha with smaller, but equally hairy, cup-like fruit bodies; Henningsomyces with tube-like fruit bodies; and Merismodes with clustered, hairy, cup-like fruit bodies.

<i>Macrotyphula</i> Genus of fungi

Macrotyphula is a genus of clavarioid fungi in the family Phyllotopsidaceae. Basidiocarps are simple, narrowly club-shaped to filiform, sometimes arising from a sclerotium. They typically grow on dead wood or leaf litter, often in swarms.

<i>Clavaria fragilis</i> Species of fungus

Clavaria fragilis, commonly known as fairy fingers, white worm coral, or white spindles, is a species of fungus in the family Clavariaceae. It is synonymous with Clavaria vermicularis. The fungus is the type species of the genus Clavaria and is a typical member of the clavarioid or club fungi. It produces tubular, unbranched, white basidiocarps that typically grow in clusters. The fruit bodies can reach dimensions of 15 cm (5.9 in) tall by 0.5 cm (0.2 in) thick. Clavaria fragilis is a saprobic species, growing in woodland litter or in old, unimproved grassland. It is widespread throughout temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere, but has also been reported from Australia and South Africa. The fungus is edible, but insubstantial and flavorless. There are several other small white coral-like fungi with which C. fragilis may be confused.

<i>Ceratobasidium</i> Genus of fungi

Ceratobasidium is a genus of fungi in the order Cantharellales. Basidiocarps are effused and the genus is sometimes grouped among the corticioid fungi, though species also retain features of the heterobasidiomycetes. Anamorphic forms were formerly referred to the genus Ceratorhiza, but this is now considered a synonym of Rhizoctonia. Ceratobasidium species, excluding the type, are also now considered synonymous with Rhizoctonia and some species have been transferred to the latter genus. Species are saprotrophic, but several are also facultative plant pathogens, causing a number of commercially important crop diseases. Some are also endomycorrhizal associates of orchids.

<i>Rhizoctonia</i> Genus of fungi

Rhizoctonia is a genus of fungi in the order Cantharellales. Species form thin, effused, corticioid basidiocarps, but are most frequently found in their sterile, anamorphic state. Rhizoctonia species are saprotrophic, but some are also facultative plant pathogens, causing commercially important crop diseases. Some are also endomycorrhizal associates of orchids. The genus name was formerly used to accommodate many superficially similar, but unrelated fungi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ceratobasidiaceae</span> Family of fungi

The Ceratobasidiaceae are a family of fungi in the order Cantharellales. All species within the family have basidiocarps that are thin and effused. They have sometimes been included within the corticioid fungi or alternatively within the "heterobasidiomycetes". Species are saprotrophic, but some are also facultative plant pathogens or are associated with orchid mycorrhiza. Genera of economic importance include Ceratobasidium and Rhizoctonia, both of which contain plant pathogenic species causing diseases of commercial crops and turf grass.

<i>Typhula quisquiliaris</i> Species of fungus

Typhula quisquiliaris, commonly known as the bracken club, is a species of club fungus in the family Typhulaceae. It produces small, white fruit bodies up to 9 millimetres (0.4 in) in height, each with a single distinct "head" and "stem". The head is fertile, while the stem attaches to a sclerotium embedded in the substrate. The fruit bodies grow from dead wood, and strongly favours bracken, where the species feeds saprotrophically. Though T. quisquiliaris was described under a different name by James Sowerby in 1803, the specific name quisquiliaris was sanctioned in 1821 by Elias Magnus Fries, and the species was moved to the genus Typhula, which resulted in its currently accepted binomial name by Paul Christoph Hennings in 1896. The species has been recorded in Europe and north Africa.

Typhula blight is most commonly known as a turf disease, but can also be a problem with wheat. Typhula blight is caused by a Typhula fungus, either Typhula incarnata or T. ishikariensis. Typhula incarnata is the causal agent for gray snow mold and T. ishikariensis causes speckled snow mold. Snow molds are caused by cold tolerant fungi that require snow cover or prolonged periods of cold, wet conditions. Typhula blight is most notably found in the turf industry, affecting a wide range of turfgrasses. Upon the snow melt, gray circular patches of mycelium are found. These mycelia produce a survival structure called a sclerotia that survives the warm summer months. Typhula blight is commonly controlled with fungicide applications in the late fall and by other cultural practices. If unchecked, snow molds can cause severe turf loss.

Snow mold is a type of fungus and a turf disease that damages or kills grass after snow melts, typically in late winter. Its damage is usually concentrated in circles three to twelve inches in diameter, although yards may have many of these circles, sometimes to the point at which it becomes hard to differentiate between different circles. Snow mold comes in two varieties: pink or gray. While it can affect all types of grasses, Kentucky bluegrass and fescue lawns are least affected by snow mold.

<i>Sarcomyxa</i> Genus of fungi

Sarcomyxa is a small genus of agaricoid fungi in the Sarcomyxaceae. Basidiocarps are shelf-like and grow on wood. Sarcomyxa edulis is commercially cultivated for food in Asia.

Pterulicium gracile is a species of mushroom producing fungus in the family Pterulaceae.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Olariaga I, Huhtinen S, Læssøe T, Petersen JH, Hansen K (2020). "Phylogenetic origins and family classification of typhuloid fungi, with emphasis on Ceratellopsis, Macrotyphula and Typhula (Basidiomycota)". Studies in Mycology. 96: 155–184. doi: 10.1016/j.simyco.2020.05.003 . PMC   7388190 . PMID   32774511.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. 1 2 3 Hoshino T, Tkachenko OB, Motoaki T, Tronsmo AM, Kasuya T, Matsumoto N (2022). "Taxonomic revision of the Typhula ishikariensis complex". Mycoscience. 63 (3): 118–130. doi: 10.47371/mycosci.2022.03.003 . PMC   10042319 . PMID   37089628.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. "Index Fungorum - Search Page".
  4. Corner EJH. (1950). A monograph of Clavaria and allied genera. Cambridge University Press.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Berthier J. (1976). Monographie des Typhula, Pistillaria et genres voisins. Société Linnéenne de Lyon.
  6. "Jan2002". Archived from the original on 2013-04-10. Retrieved 2013-02-21.
  7. Schneider EF, Seaman WL (1986). "Typhula phacorrhiza on winter wheat". Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology. 8 (3): 269–276. Bibcode:1986CaJPP...8..269S. doi:10.1080/07060668609501799.