mold

moldMold on surface of jelly.
peach mold
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peach moldMagnified view of peach mold (Rhizopus).

mold, in biology, a conspicuous mass of mycelium (masses of vegetative filaments, or hyphae) and fruiting structures produced by various fungi (kingdom Fungi). Fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Rhizopus form mold and are associated with food spoilage and plant diseases.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.
Citation Information
Article Title: mold
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 01 January 2025
Access Date: March 03, 2025