Submitted to: Mycologia
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 12, 2010
Publication Date: January 24, 2011
Citation: Samuels, G.J., Ismaiel, A.A. 2011. Hypocrea peltata: a mycological Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde? Mycologia. 103:616-630.
Interpretive Summary: Fungi such as the green mold Trichoderma are commonly used in controlling diseases of plants. They are common in the environment, especially in soils. Although the biocontrol Trichoderma is generally microscopic, it forms a sexual state that can be easily seen. In this research the life history of a species of Trichoderma with a very large sexual state was investigated. The fungus occurs in a diverse range of habitats in the states that border the Gulf of Mexico and in countries with warm climates. It is found not to be closely related to species that are used in biological control of plant diseases. However, this fungus occurs in places where mushrooms are cultivated and may damage this crop. This research will be used by specialty mushroom growers and ecologists who encounter this fungus.
Technical Abstract:
Hypocrea peltata (Pezizomycota, Hypocreales, Hypocreaceae) is a common, widespread essentially subtropical species having an extremely large stroma. Sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S nuclear large subunit (LSU) of rDNA regions indicate that it occupies a previously unrecognized position within Hypocrea. It is distinguished within Hypocrea in the large size of its stroma, by the hyphal structure of the stroma, and in the absence of an anamorph with dehiscent conidia. Hypocrea peltata grows well at 37 C. In Japan it can disrupt production of shiitake (Lentinula edodes) on Quercus logs.
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