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Net-trapping nematode fungi
2 species
Arthrobotrys is a genus of microscopic soil and dung moulds that trap living nematodes. When nematodes are present, the hyphae form loops that fuse into sticky three-dimensional nets; a nematode that touches the net is held fast, penetrated and digested. The genus includes A. oligospora, the most common and best-studied nematode-trapping fungus and a model organism for fungus-nematode interactions. Some species have been tested or commercially developed as biological control agents against plant-parasitic and mushroom-compost nematodes.
Trap: adhesive networks (in the narrow, trap-based genus concept of Scholler et al. 1999). Conidiophores: simple, erect, septate, bearing conidia in clusters or whorls at nodes. Conidia: non-septate to multi-septate, mainly ellipsoidal, spindle-shaped or ovoid; typically two-celled in the type species. Sexual morphs, where known, are tiny waxy Orbilia apothecia (e.g. Orbilia fimicola for A. superba, Orbilia auricolor for A. oligospora).
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Mycology is an evolving science: names, classifications and safety information change as research advances. Entries are compiled from cited sources and reviewed, but may be incomplete or out of date — check the sources, and never rely on this library alone to identify or eat a mushroom.
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