Distribution
Ubiquitous.
Primarily in temperate and subtropical regions.
Approx. 30 species.
Where Found
Soil, stored and transported fruit and vegetables. Plant pathogen and saprophyte on flowers, leaves, stems, fruit. Leaf rot on grapes, strawberries, lettuce, cabbage, onions.
Mode of Dissemination
Dry spore.
Wind.
Also liberated by rain splash.
Growth Indoors
May be found in conjunction with indoor plants.
Aw=0.93-0.95 (minimum for various species).
Industrial Uses
None known.
Other Comments
Mostly parasitic on higher plants.
"Gray-mold," called "noble rot" on wine grapes.
Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Winegrower's lung.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Very rare agent of keratomycosis. No recorded human cases of infection.
Potential Toxin Production
None known.
Growth/Culture Characterisics
Grows well on all general fungal media. Colony spreads easily over the surface of the petri dish. May form black sclerotia.
Spore Trap Recognition
Fairly distinctive, frequently with a visible inner cell wall, and an attachment point at one end. Spores are slightly pigmented.
Tape Lift Recognition
Distinctive, especially if spore bearing structures are present.