''Ulocladium'' is a
genus
Genus (; : genera ) is a taxonomic rank above species and below family (taxonomy), family as used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In bino ...
of
fungi
A fungus (: fungi , , , or ; or funguses) is any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and mold (fungus), molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as one ...
. Species of this genus contain both
plant pathogens and
food spoilage
Food spoilage is the process whereby food becomes unsuitable to ingest by a person; it is a matter of food safety. Bacteria and various fungi are the causes of spoilage, and can create serious consequences for consumers, but there are preventive ...
agents. Other species contain enzymes that are
biological control
Biological control or biocontrol is a method of controlling pests, whether pest animals such as insects and mites, weeds, or pathogens affecting animals or plants by using other organisms. It relies on predation, parasitism, herbivory, or o ...
agents.
Some members of the genus can invade homes and are a sign of moisture because the mold requires water to thrive. They can cause plant diseases or hay fever and more serious infections in immuno-suppressed individuals.
Species of ''Ulocladium'' resemble those of genus ''
Alternaria
''Alternaria'' is a genus of Deuteromycetes fungi. All species are known as major Phytopathology, plant pathogens. They are also common allergens in humans, growing indoors and causing hay fever or hypersensitivity reactions that sometimes lead t ...
'' with which they were once included. Several DNA-based phylogenetic studies place ''Ulocladium'' convincingly within ''Alternaria'', suggesting that the latter is the correct classification for these species.
However, ''Ulocladium'', unlike ''Alternaria'', do not produce
alternariols,
tenuazonic acid, altersolanols, or macrosporin.
The species ''Ulocladium oudemansii'' is utilised as a biocontrol agent against ''
Botrytis cinerea
''Botrytis cinerea'' is a necrotrophic fungus that affects many plant species, although its most notable hosts may be wine grapes. In viticulture, it is commonly known as "botrytis bunch rot"; in horticulture, it is usually called "grey mould" ...
''. The New Zealand compan
Botryzen (2010) Ltduses it to control Botrytis bunch rot in the NZ vineyard industry, Sclerotinia and Psa in the NZ kiwfruit industry.
Conidia
Conidia are black, rough, with pointed base when young, with both transverse and longitudinal septae, single or in a short chain (only in U. chartarum). Conidiophores are pale brown, erect, multicelled, and develop conidia in a sympodial mode. The two common species of indoor Ulocladium are U. botrytis and U. chartarum. This genus is closely related to Alternaria and
Stemphyllium. Ulocladium conidia are characteristic and can be identified by properly trained laboratory analysts, although spores of
Alternaria
''Alternaria'' is a genus of Deuteromycetes fungi. All species are known as major Phytopathology, plant pathogens. They are also common allergens in humans, growing indoors and causing hay fever or hypersensitivity reactions that sometimes lead t ...
and
Pithomyces may be confused with Ulocladium.
Species (approximately 20)
* ''Ulocladium alternariae'' (Cooke) Simmons, fungal agent of
pistachio
The pistachio (, ; ''Pistacia vera'') is a small to medium-sized tree of the Anacardiaceae, cashew family, originating in Iran. The tree produces nut (fruit)#Culinary definition and uses, seeds that are widely consumed as food.
In 2022, world ...
* ''
Ulocladium atrum'', biocontrol of ''
Botrytis cinerea
''Botrytis cinerea'' is a necrotrophic fungus that affects many plant species, although its most notable hosts may be wine grapes. In viticulture, it is commonly known as "botrytis bunch rot"; in horticulture, it is usually called "grey mould" ...
''
* ''
Ulocladium botrytis'' Preuss, claimed not a pathogen, but found to cause
onychomycosis
* ''
Ulocladium chartarum'' (G Preuss) EG Simmons, disease in immuno-suppressed patients
* ''
Ulocladium chlamydosporum''
* ''
Ulocladium consortiale'', plant pathogen of
caraway
* ''Ulocladium cucurbitae'' (Letendre & Roum.) EG Simmons, leaf spot pathogen of cucumber
* ''Ulocladium dauci'' EG Simmons
* ''Ulocladium lanuginosum''(Harz) EG Simmons
* ''Ulocladium litoreum'' Pivkin & Zvereva
* ''Ulocladium manihoticola'' JM Yen
* ''Ulocladium manihoticolum'' JM Yen
* ''Ulocladium microspora'' Moub & Abdel-Hafez
* ''Ulocladium multiforme'' EG Simmons
* ''Ulocladium oblongo-ovoideum'' XG Zhang & TY Zhang
* ''Ulocladium ovoideum'' EG Simmons
* ''Ulocladium oudemansii'' EG Simmons, biocontrol of ''
Botrytis cinerea
''Botrytis cinerea'' is a necrotrophic fungus that affects many plant species, although its most notable hosts may be wine grapes. In viticulture, it is commonly known as "botrytis bunch rot"; in horticulture, it is usually called "grey mould" ...
''
* ''Ulocladium populi'' E.G. Simmons, G. Newcombe & A. Shipunov
* ''Ulocladium septosporum'' (Preuss) EG Simmons
* ''Ulocladium tuberculatum'' EG Simmons
References
''Ulocladium'' species ''Ulocladium'' pathogenicity
''Ulocladium'' specieswww.botryzen.co.nz] Botryzen (2010) Ltd*
Pleosporaceae
{{Pleosporales stub