Sordariomycetes

ergotWheat infected by ergot (Claviceps purpurea). This fungus is also the source of lysergic acid, the active component of the psychedelic drug LSD, and of other compounds used in obstetrics drugs.

Sordariomycetes, class of several thousand species of sac fungi in the phylum Ascomycota (kingdom Fungi). The fungi are characterized by a flask-shaped fruiting body (perithecium) that bears saclike structures (asci) and usually has a pore (ostiole) through which ascospores are discharged.

powdery mildew
powdery mildewPowdery mildew on grapes.

Genera responsible for plant diseases include Ophiostoma (the cause of Dutch elm disease), Gnomonia (leaf spots), Diaporthe (stem and leaf blights), Cryphonectria (chestnut blight), Claviceps (ergot of rye), and the powdery mildew fungi. Fungal genetics have been extensively studied in Neurospora and Glomerella.

Zombie-ant fungus
Zombie-ant fungusA deceased carpenter ant (Camponotus species) infected with zombie-ant fungus (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis). Having acted under the influence of the fungus, the ant is attached to the midrib of a leaf in the characteristic “death grip,” which allows the fungal spores to be optimally dispersed.

The zombie-ant fungus (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis) and various other members of the genus Ophiocordyceps and Cordyceps are parasites of insects and other arthropods.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.
Citation Information
Article Title: Sordariomycetes
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 06 March 2023
URL: https://www.britannica.comhttps://www.britannica.com/science/Sordariomycetes
Access Date: November 21, 2024