The Anamorphic Fungi

PRESENTED TO :
[Link] Rehman Niazi
PRESENTED BY:
Tayyaba Qasim (07)
Kashf Nadeem(17)
. Muhammad Imran(05)
Table of content

• Anamorphic fungi
• Reproduction
• Classification
• Different Genera
• Conclusion
 Anamorphic Fungi

• Anamorphic fungi are known as septate fungus, which

are unable to reproduce sexually and only reproduce
asexually. These are referred to as "imperfect fungi"
because they lack the sexual stage or the "perfect
stage." Since these fungi only produce mitospores, or
conidia, and do not produce meiospores, they are
referred to as mitosporic fungi.
Reproduction

• Conidia can form either directly on the hyphae or

on the conidiophore. The latter can grow on the
hyphae or in cavities known as Acervuli and
Pycnidia. It is comparable to the creation of
conidia in Ascomycota.
 Reproduction
Asexual
Acervuli fruiting body Pycnidia
• (Sing-Acervulus) are flat, • (Sing. Pycnidium) are flask-
disk-shaped cavities that occur to globose in shape, with a little
beneath the plant's cuticle or papilla or long neck with an
epidermis. Short conidiophore apical opening termed an ostiole.
grow from hyphae-formed The pycnidia are embedded in
immersed pseudoparenchyma. the host tissue beneath the
Conidia cause the overlying epidermis and have their own
epidermis and cuticle to tear. wall that is bordered by
The acervulus does not have its conidiophores. Conidia can be
own wall. hyaline or pigmented, as well as
septate or non-septate.
 Classification

• Anamorphic fungi are not the same as other fungus and

hence cannot be categorized into phylum, class, order, and
so on. Their only designations are genus and species.
P r e v i o u s l y, t h e s e w e r e c l a s s i f i e d a s s u b - d i v i s i o n s
(Deuteromycotina, Deutromycetes), but their lower status
was known. (Deutero means "secondary"). However, this
division into classes or orders is no longer valid, and these
fungi are now arranged alphabetically by genera
(Hawksworth et al., 1995; Krik et al., 2001; Dictionary of
Fungi).
 Genus ALTERNARIA
• There are various saprobic and parasitic species in
the genus. The mycelium, which is branching and
septate, is hyaline (transparent) at first but darkens
over time. The conidiophore is short and has
obclavate conidia with pointy distal ends and
transverse and longitudinal septa. Scars are left on
the conidiophore after separation. A. solani and A.
tenuis are the most prevalent species that cause
major disease condition
 Chain of
conidia
Conidium

conidiophore

hypha
Life cycle of the Alternaria solani
• Conidia or mycelia lei in the soil or on plant debris and
perennate the fungus in absences of the crop
• When the potato crop is sown and the leaves formed (3
weeks) the conidia reach the leaves through wind and
germinate
• The germ tube enter the leaves through stomata or by direct
penetration of the epidermis, form inter or intra cellular
mycelium.
• The mycelium secretes enzymes and toxins which kills the
cells. The fungus derives nutrition from these dead cells.
Life cycle of the Alternaria solani
• When the cells dies leaf spots appears
• Clavate conidia having both transverse and longitudinal septa
are formed on the hyphae
• The conidiophore show ‘knee’- like swellings which indicates
the position of the detached conidia. The conidia are wind-
disseminated and in this way disease spread to more plants
throughout the season. In the absence of the host plant., the
hyphae or conidia remain in the fallen leaf tissues or in the soil
Genus ASPERGILLUS

• Aspergillus species that develop

sex organs are now classified as
Ascomycota genera Eurotium,
Emericella, or Neosartorya, and
are no longer referred to as
Aspergillus. Those, like A. niger,
that have not yet been linked to a
sexually reproducing organism are
classified as Aspergillus.
Genus COLLETOTRICHUM
(anthracnose fungus)
• Colletotrichum is known as
anthracnose fungus because it
produces anthracnose (coal-like)
leaf spot disease in several
[Link], a previous
genus, has been combined with
Colletotrichum. Acervuli can be
subcuticular or subepidermal,
with a distinctive ring of black
setae around the circumference.
Genus FUSARIUM

• Fusarium species are significant because they cause root rot

and wilt disease in a variety of plants. The water received by the
roots is not transmitted to the leaves due to hyphae blockage of
the xylem arteries in wilt diseases, as it is in undesired plants. All
Fusarium wilt-causing species are known as Fusarium
oxysporum because their leaves droop, dry, and die because of
a lack of water. The septate and branching hyphae.
Conidiophores are short and made up of spore-producing cells
known as phialides.
Genus FUSARIUM

• These each produce curved,

sickle-shaped macroconidia
and globular microconidia.
Because the spores are held
together by slime, they are
known as slime spores. They
are not spread by wind.
 Genus HELMINTHOSPORIUM

• Conidia are brown, cylindrical, and transversely

septate, resulting in numerous cells. There are
20 Helminthosporium species that cause major
plant diseases such as brown leaf spot of rice
(H. oryzae), maize leaf spot ([Link]), and
Victoria blight of oats ([Link]).
• Much research has been conducted on the
toxins secreted by H. victoriae and H. maydis. It
has been demonstrated that the pathogenicity
of these species is due to their toxins. These
toxins have greatly helped to our understanding
of parasitism's mechanism.
 Genus PENICILLIUM

• The species of penicillium

that reproduce purely
asexually are still classified
as penicillium, whereas the
sexually reproducing species
have been classified as
Eupenicillium or
Talaromyces of the
Ascomycetes class.
Genus PESTALOTIOPSIS
• Conidia are spindle-shaped or Setulae
clavate, five celled, with three
coloured centre cells and hyaline pedicel
terminal cells. The higher terminal
cell, known as the apical hyaline
cell, has 2-3 setae. The lower Upper
hyaline cell is the posterior hyaline hyaline cell
cell. It has a short pedicel from
Middle dark
which the conidia of the Acervulus cells
are attached. Pestalotiopsis causes
a variety of serious diseases, Lower
including grey blight of tea ([Link]). hyaline cell
Life cycle of Pestalotiopsis theae
• Hyaline, septate, branching hyphae grow inter and intracellularly within
the host.
• Acervuli are generated beneath the epidermis and have a unique basal
wall from which conidiophores and conidia emerge.
• Later, the epidermis breaks and the conidia fall to the leaves' surface.
• The conidia are spindle-shaped and 5-celled, with three dark center
cells and three hyaline terminal cells.
• The apical hyaline cells contain 2-3 setae, while the lower hyaline cells
have a pedicel.
• Conidia germinate mostly through the center cells and infect additional
leaves. Mycelium remains in dead host tissues in the absence of the
host.
Life cycle of Pestalotiopsis theae
 Genus PHYLLOSTICA
• Phyllostica is a widespread fungus that causes leaf
spots. The pycnidia have thin walls and are dark brown
in colour, resembling black dots on the leaf spot.
• When the leaf spots are probed with a needle and
studied under a microscope, an endless stream of
minute conidia begins to flow out of the pycnidia.
• The conidia are hyaline, 1celled, globose to oval, and
guttaulate, meaning they contain one or more oil drops.
• The conidia are distinguished by a minute apical
mucilaginous appendage.
Genus PYRICULARIA

• Conidia are pyriform, bi-

septate, with a tiny hilum
at the base. These are
carried apically on
conidiophores that
emerge through the
stomata [Link] causes
"the blast of Rice"
Conclusion

Anamorphic fungi, also known as imperfect fungi, are a group of

fungi that reproduce asexually, without a known sexual stage.
Despite their lack of a sexual stage, anamorphic fungi play
important roles in various ecosystems, including decomposition,
nutrient cycling, and symbiotic relationships with plants and
[Link] research on anamorphic fungi is needed to
understand their ecology, evolution, and potential applications. By
exploring the diversity and complexity of anamorphic fungi, we can
unlock new opportunities for innovation and discovery.
REFERENCES

q "Anamorphic Fungi: A Guide to Identification"* by various authors

q "Fungi: Biology and Applications"* by Kevin Kavanagh
q "The Fungi"* by Michael J. Carlile, Sarah C. Watkinson, and Glyn W. Gooday
q "Anamorphic fungi: a review of their taxonomy, ecology, and applications"* (Journal of Fungi,
2020)
q Diversity and classification of anamorphic fungi"* (Mycological Research, 2018)
q "Anamorphic fungi in biotechnology: applications and future prospects"* (Journal of
Biotechnology, 2019
UNIVERSITY OF THE PUNJAB

INSTITUTE OF BOTANY

ASSIGNMENT OF HIGHER FUNGI

SUBMITTED BY

TAYYABA QASIM(07)

KASHAFNADEEM(17)

MUHAMMAD IMRAN(05)

SUBMITTED TO

Dr. ABDUL REHMAN NIAZI

1
 TOPIC: THE ANAMORPHIC FUNGI

INTRODUCTION:

Anamorphic fungi, also known as imperfect fungi or Deuteromycota, are

a group of fungi that reproduce asexually, without a known sexual stage.
They are characterized by their ability to produce conidia, which are
asexual spores that can disperse and infect new hosts.

Since these fungi only produce mitospores, or conidia, and do not produce
meiospores, they are referred to as mitosporic fungi.

Since the conidia that these fungi produce resemble those of Ascomycota,
it is believed that these organisms are Ascomycetes that abandoned their
sexual stage. The sexual stages are often identified, and depending on the
type of meiospore—ascospore or basidiodpore—they have been moved
to Ascomycota and occasionally Basidiomycota.

Reproduction:

Asexual Reproduction in Anamorphic Fungi

1. Conidia Production: Anamorphic fungi produce conidia, which are

asexual spores that can disperse and infect new hosts.

2. Conidiophores: Conidia are often produced on specialized structures

called conidiophores.
2
3. Dispersal: Conidia can be dispersed through various means, including
wind, water, and insects.

Advantages of Asexual Reproduction in Anamorphic Fungi

• Rapid Colonization: Asexual reproduction allows anamorphic

fungi to rapidly colonize new environments.
• Increased Fitness: Asexual reproduction can increase the fitness of
anamorphic fungi by allowing them to quickly adapt to changing
environments.
• Efficient Dispersal: Conidia can be dispersed efficiently, allowing
anamorphic fungi to spread to new areas.

Classification:
Anamorphic fungi are not the same as other fungus and hence
cannot be categorized into phylum, class, order, and so on. Their only
designations are genus and species. Previously, these were classified
as sub-divisions (Deuteromycotina, Deutromycetes), but their lower
status was known. (Deutero means "secondary"). However, this
division into classes or orders is no longer valid, and these fungi are
now arranged alphabetically by genera (Hawksworth et al., 1995;
Krik et al., 2001; Dictionary of Fungi).

Genus Alternaria

3
Alternaria is a genus of anamorphic fungi that includes species known
for causing plant diseases, producing toxins, and being opportunistic
pathogens of humans.

Characteristics

• Conidial morphology: Alternaria species produce conidia with

distinctive beaks or appendages.
• Saprotrophic or pathogenic: Alternaria species can be
saprotrophic (obtaining nutrients from dead organic matter) or
pathogenic (causing disease in plants or animals).
• Wide distribution: Alternaria species are found in various
environments, including soil, plants, and indoor environments.

Importance

➢ Plant diseases: Alternaria species cause diseases in many plant

species, including crops, fruits, and vegetables.
➢ Toxin production: Some Alternaria species produce toxins, such
as alternariol and tenuazonic acid, which can contaminate food
and feed.
➢ Human health: Alternaria species can cause opportunistic
infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised
individuals.
➢ Allergens: Alternaria conidia can act as allergens, triggering
allergic reactions and respiratory issues.

4
 Life cycle of the Alternaria solani:
● The fungus Conidia or mycelia lei in the soil or on plant
debris and perennate the fungus in absences of the crop
● When the potato crop is sown and the leaves formed (3
weeks) the conidia reach the leaves through wind and
germinate
● The germ tube enter the leaves through stomata or by direct
penetration of the epidermis, form inter or intra cellular
mycelium.
● The mycelium secretes enzymes and toxins which kills the
cells. The fungus derives nutrition from these dead cells.
● When the cells dies leaf spots appears
● Clavate conidia having both transverse and longitudinal
septa are formed on the hyphae
● The conidiophore show ‘knee’- like swellings which
indicates the position of the detached conidia. The conidia
are wind- disseminated and in this way disease spread to
more plants throughout the season. In the absence of the host
5
 plant., the hyphae or conidia remain in the fallen leaf tissues
or in the soil
Genus ASPERGILLUS:
Aspergillus is a genus of fungi that includes several
hundred species of molds. Some Aspergillus species are
harmless, while others can cause disease in humans,
animals, and plants.
Characteristics
• Conidial morphology: Aspergillus species produce conidia in
chains, often forming a characteristic "columnar" or "radiate"
arrangement.
• Saprotrophic or pathogenic: Aspergillus species can be
saprotrophic (obtaining nutrients from dead organic matter)
or pathogenic (causing disease in humans, animals, or
plants).
• Wide distribution: Aspergillus species are found in various
environments, including soil, decaying organic matter, and
indoor environments.

Genus COLLETOTRICHUM
(anthracnose fungus):

• Colletotrichum is known as anthracnose fungus because it

produces anthracnose (coal-like) leaf spot disease in several
[Link], a previous genus, has been combined with
Colletotrichum. Acervuli can be subcuticular or subepidermal, with

6
 a distinctive ring of black setae around the circumference. The
conidia are hyaline elongated, with rounded ends and a slightly
narrower centre. Colletotrichum is responsible for several
significant diseases, including red root of sugarcane caused by C.
falcatum, bean anthracnose caused by C. lindemuthianum, and jute
anthracnose caused by C. corchorum.

GENUS FUSARIUM:

Fusarium is a genus of fungi that includes several species known for

causing plant diseases, producing toxins, and being opportunistic
pathogens of humans.

Characteristics:

• Conidial morphology: Fusarium species produce conidia in slimy

masses, often with a characteristic sickle-shaped or crescent-
shaped appearance.
• Saprotrophic or pathogenic: Fusarium species can be
saprotrophic (obtaining nutrients from dead organic matter) or
pathogenic (causing disease in plants or animals).
• Wide distribution: Fusarium species are found in various
environments, including soil, plants, and water.
• These each produce curved, sickle-shaped macroconidia and
globular microconidia. Because the spores are held together by
slime, they are known as slime spores. They are not spread by
wind.

7
GENUS HELMINTHOSPORIUM:

● Conidia are brown, cylindrical, and transversely septate, resulting in

numerous cells. There are 20 Helminthosporium species that cause
major plant diseases such as brown leaf spot of rice (H. oryzae),
maize leaf spot ([Link]), and Victoria blight of oats ([Link]).

● Much research has been conducted on the toxins secreted by H.

victoriae and H. maydis. It has been demonstrated that the
pathogenicity of these species is due to their toxins. These toxins
have greatly helped to our understanding of parasitism's mechanism.

8
 Genus Penicillium
Penicillium is a genus of fungi that includes several hundred species
of molds. Some Penicillium species are important in food
production, while others can cause disease or produce toxins.

Characteristics

• Conidial morphology: Penicillium species produce conidia in

chains, often forming a characteristic brush-like or penicillus-
shaped arrangement.
• Saprotrophic or pathogenic: Penicillium species can be
saprotrophic (obtaining nutrients from dead organic matter) or
pathogenic (causing disease in plants or animals).
• Wide distribution: Penicillium species are found in various
environments, including soil, decaying organic matter, and
indoor environments.

GENUS PESTALOTIOPSIS:
9
● Conidia are spindle-shaped or clavate, five celled, with three
coloured centre cells and hyaline terminal cells. The higher terminal
cell, known as the apical hyaline cell, has 2-3 setae. The lower
hyaline cell is the posterior hyaline cell. It has a short pedicel from
which the conidia of the Acervulus are attached. Pestalotiopsis
causes a variety of serious diseases, including grey blight of tea
([Link]), leaf spot of litchi (P. paucista), and mango leaf spot (P.
mangiferae).

Life cycle of Pestalotiopsis theae:

● Hyaline, septate, branching hyphae grow inter and intracellularly

within the host.

● Acervuli are generated beneath the epidermis and have a unique

basal wall from which conidiophores and conidia emerge.

● Later, the epidermis breaks and the conidia fall to the leaves' surface.

● The conidia are spindle-shaped and 5-celled, with three dark center
cells and three hyaline terminal cells.

● The apical hyaline cells contain 2-3 setae, while the lower hyaline
cells have a pedicel.

● Conidia germinate mostly through the center cells and infect

additional leaves. Mycelium remains in dead host tissues in the
absence of the host.

10
 GENUS PHYLLOSTICA:

● Phyllostica is a widespread fungus that causes leaf spots. The

pycnidia have thin walls and are dark brown in colour, resembling
black dots on the leaf spot.

● When the leaf spots are probed with a needle and studied under a
microscope, an endless stream of minute conidia begins to flow out
of the pycnidia.

11
● The conidia are hyaline, 1celled, globose to oval, and guttaulate,
meaning they contain one or more oil drops.

● The conidia are distinguished by a minute apical mucilaginous

appendage.

Life cycle of Pyricularia oryzae:

● Conidia can be found in plant debris, soil, or collateral hosts. Wind-

blown conidia land on the leaves when the rice crop is accessible.

● Germ tubes enter the leaves during germination to form an

intracellular mycelium.

● The fungus develops within the host tissue, producing

conidiophores that emerge from the stomata and bear conidia.

● Throughout the season, the conidia spread the infection. When the
crop is harvested, the residue is left in the fields as debris.

● Alternatively, until the next rice crop is available, the conidia may
infect and live on other collateral hosts.

Conclusion:

12
 Anamorphic fungi, also known as imperfect fungi, are a group of
fungi that reproduce asexually, without a known sexual stage.
Despite their lack of a sexual stage, anamorphic fungi play
important roles in various ecosystems, including decomposition,
nutrient cycling, and symbiotic relationships with plants and
[Link] research on anamorphic fungi is needed to
understand their ecology, evolution, and potential applications. By
exploring the diversity and complexity of anamorphic fungi, we can
unlock new opportunities for innovation and discovery.

REFERENCES:

 "Anamorphic Fungi: A Guide to Identification" by various authors

 "Fungi: Biology and Applications" by Kevin Kavanagh

 "The Fungi" by Michael J. Carlile, Sarah C. Watkinson, and Glyn

W. Gooday

 "Anamorphic fungi: a review of their taxonomy, ecology, and

applications" (Journal of Fungi, 2020)

 Diversity and classification of anamorphic fungi" (Mycological

Research, 2018)

 "Anamorphic fungi in biotechnology: applications and future

prospects"*(Journal of Biotechnology, 2019)

13
14